Instant start thyratron switch

Abstract : Efforts into the development of a megawatt instant-on hydrogen thyratron are underway. The design work has been divided into three major areas: (1) cathode development, (2) envelope design, and (3) reservoir development. Two experimental thyratrons have been fabricated in order to study the cold emission characteristics of a tungsten matrix cathode material. Design work has been completed on a new, lightweight envelope assembly. Finally, efforts into the development of a reservoir system are described. (Author)