LS-4101 Datasheet | PerkinElmer Optoelectronics

D A T A S H E E T Lighting Imaging Tele High Energy Switches Thyratrons Description Thyratrons are fast acting high voltage switches suitable for a variety of applications including radar, laser and scientific use. Perkin Elmer’s thyratrons are constructed of ceramic and metal for strength and long life. Over 300 thyratron types are available from Perkin Elmer. 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 . .perkinelmer./opto How a Thyratron works The operation of the device can be divided into three phases: triggering and mutation (closure), steady-state conduction, and recovery (opening), each of which is discussed below. The mutation process is simply modeled as shown in Figure 2. The time interval between trigger breakdown of the grid-cathode region and plete closure of the thyratron is called the anode delay time. It is typically 100-200 nanoseconds for most tube types. During mutation, 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 the anode’s. Although the grid spike voltage is brief in duration, usually less than 100 n S, it can damage the grid driver circuit unless measures are taken to suppress the spike before it enters the grid driver circuit. The location of the grid spike suppression circuit is shown in Figure 3, Grid Circuit. Figure 4, Typical Grid Spike Suppression Circuits, shows the more mon methods used to protect the grid driver circuit. In using any of these types of circuits, care must be exercised to...