Russian pseudospark switches: condition and prospects

The cold cathode thyratrons or pseudospark switches (PSS) have been developed since the end of 1980s as perspective switches, combining the best qualities of classical thyratrons with the heated cathode of spark-gaps and thyristors. Russian researchers and manufacturers have created a number of sealed-off, commercially suitable, fast closing switches of two types: (i) TP-the thyratrons with hollow cathode discharge form, intended for switching of up to 0.1 Coulomb in a pulse at voltages from 1 to 120 kV; and (ii) TD-the thyratrons with are form of the discharge in vapors of electrode material, intended for switching of up to tens Coulomb in a pulse.