Ionization time of thyratrons

V. C. Rideout (California Institute of Technology, Pasadena): Mr. Harrison´s investigations show that the ionization times for various thyratrons, when plotted against the grid overvoltage give curves that are approximately equilateral hyperbolas. Because tubes of different construction, with different gases at pressures not accurately known, and with various values of plate voltage, have been used, it is difficult to say how ionization time is affected by tube design. If the results for the FG-81 and the FG-57 are compared, however, it may be seen (figures 5 and 8) that the argon-filled FG-81, which is similar in construction to the mercury vapor FG-57, has somewhat shorter ionization times.