HY-3189

D A T A S H E E T Lighting Imaging Telecom High Energy Switches Thyratrons Description Thyratrons are fast acting high voltage switches suitable for a variety of applications including radar, laser and scientific use. PerkinElmer’s thyratrons are constructed of ceramic and metal for strength and long life. Over 300 thyratron types are available from PerkinElmer. The types listed in this guide are a cross section of the broad line available. We encourage inquiries for thyratrons to suit your particular application. Features Wide operating voltage range High pulse rate capability Ceramic-metal construction High current capability Long life . www.perkinelmer.com/opto How a Thyratron works The operation of the device can be divided into three phases: triggering and commutation (closure), steady-state conduction, and recovery (opening), each of which is discussed below. The commutation process is simply modeled as shown in Figure 2. The time interval between trigger breakdown of the grid-cathode region and complete closure of the thyratron is called the anode delay time. It is typically 100-200 nanoseconds for most tube types. During commutation, a high voltage spike appears at the grid of the thyratron. This spike happens in the time it takes for the plasma in the grid-anode space to "connect" to the plasma in the gridcathode space. During this time, the anode is momentarily "connected" to the grid thereby causing the grid to assume a voltage nearly that of t...