Life extension of thyratrons in short-pulse circuits with use of saturable magnetic sharpeners

The design of magnetic pulse sharpening circuits for thyratron switching applications is presented. It is useful to add a saturating magnetic switch in series with the tube. Addition of the magnetic device reduces anode dissipation, hence reducing thyratron cooling requirements. The saturating magnetic switch allows the anode voltage to collapse while delaying the forward current, thus reducing the electron energy to a level below that which results in erosion. The complex interrelated issues of material selection, electrical parameters, core reset, and mechanical engineering are considered for the development of an integrated point design. Test results are presented, and life extension to >10¹⁰ shots is discussed