High Power Pseudospark Switches for Pulsed Power

Summary form only given. Cold cathode thyratrons, or pseudospark switches (PSS), have been developed which combine the best qualities of classical heated cathode thyratrons, spark-gaps and mercury ignitrons. Russian researchers and manufacturers have developed sealed, commercially suitable, high-power closing switches designated as TDI-thyratrons. TDI thyratrons form an internal high density glow discharge and are capable of switching tens of Coulombs per shot. Compared to spark-gaps, PSS enjoy longer service life (up to 2-3 orders), a wider range of operating voltage, high stability of electrical and temporal features, opportunity of parallel operation of several devices into a low impedance common load.