A 100-kV hydrogen thyratron without gradient grids

A high-power hydrogen thyratron was developed using a 5949 thyratron cathode assembly. The tube is capable of operating at an epyof 100 kV and an ibof 1000-2000 A. The duty cycle is presently limited by the test modulator circuit. Trigger requirements are 2 kV at 50 Ω with a 2-µsec duration. The jitter was nil when measured with a Tektronix 517-oscilloscope, using a sweep speed of 50 nsec per cm. τad is in the range of 1/4 to 1/2 µsec. The grid-anode geometry is designed for a minimum anode-grid capacitance, thus making for a higher repetition rate tube. It is estimated that the operating gas pressure is in the 300-400 micron range. The field emission limit, up to 100 kV, is not evident in this geometry.