Pulsed Radiation Effects on Thyratron Tubes

Thyratrons may be fired by intense pulses of nuclear radiation. The results of early experiments to characterize this phenomenon are reexamined in the light of the recent experimental results. Evidence is presented that the tube is fired by gas ionization rather than a radiation induced grid voltage transient. Plate voltage is observed to be an important determinant of the firing criteria. A significant time delay also exists between the radiation stimulus and the firing of the tube. General guidelines are presented for designing circuits which are more resistant to the effects of pulse radiation.