Parallel Operation of Thyratrons in Low Inductance Discharge Circuits
Abstract
The long-life, low-loss switch requirements of the Molecular Laser Isotope Separation program have focussed much at tent ion on the possible application of hydrogen thyratrons in electrical discharge excimer laser systems. Special low inductance, high di/dt thyratrons have been developed for use in low impedance discharge circuits. Even though thyratrons meet the life and loss requirements, state-of-the-art devices are peak-current-limited at the high repetition rates required by the laser system. To overcome this drawback, several thyratrons can be operated in parallel. Current sharing forced by individual ballast elements is not allowed since this would result in excessive inductance and reduced di/dt. Instead, the thyratrons are connected in "hard" parallel in a stripline circuit; that is, the anodes are connected together using a stripline and the cathodes are similarly connected.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA638031
Entities
People
- Glen Mcduff
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory