Photoemissive trigger for backlighted thyratron switches

Details Photoemissive trigger for backlighted thyratron switches Photoemissive trigger for backlighted thyratron switches

1990-05-31

1991-10-15

Yusko, Donald J.

Electric lamp and discharge devices

Photosensitive

Photocathode

313572, 313296, 313538, H01J 4000, H01J 4006

Patent

active

050577409

ABSTRACT:
Provided is a means for triggering certain high voltage electronic, gas discharge switches that are a novel type of high power thyratron. Triggering of switches of the so-called "backlighted thyratron" type (a type of cold cathode thyratron) is enhanced by the inclusion of a very small, photoemissive cathode, separate and isolated from the main switch electrodes, to initiate the triggering discharge. The trigger cathode is protected from destruction by the main discharge current through the switch by mechanically and electrically isolating it from further participation in the discharge once the triggering process has been initiated. Alternatively, photosensitive material is coated on the backside of one of the main switch electrodes. A light source located externally of the switch directs light through a sealed aperture into the interior of the switch where it is incident on the photosensitive material generating electrons which in turn trigger the main switch discharge.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4335465 (1982-06-01), Christiansen et al.
patent: 4771168 (1988-09-01), Gunderson et al.
Boggasch et al., "A 400 KA Pulse Generator with Pseudo-Spark Switches", European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN/PS/85-30(AA)), Geneva, Switzerland, 7/1985.
Mechtershimer et al., "Multichannel Pseudospark Switch", J. Physics E: Sci. Instrum. 20, 270 (1987).
Frank et al., "High-Power Pseudospark and BLT Switches", IEEE Trans. Plasma Science, 1988.
Christiansen et al., "Production of High Current Particle Beams by Low Pressure Spark Discharge", Zeitschrift fur Physik A290, 35(1979).
Bloess et al., Nuclear Instr. & Methods 205, 173 (1983).

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