Fast-response high-current thyratron power supplies for inductive loads

With the increasing importance of reducing the response time of inductive loads, the power capabilities of modern high-current gas thyratron tubes become very significant. As amplifiers these tubes introduce no appreciable additional time constant into the system. Several methods for energizing loads such as fields of large motor generators, solenoids, magnetic clutches, and electromagnets are discussed including the half-wave circuit with an optimum value of capacitance in parallel with the load. This method provides the fastest response for the equipment required.