Thyratron evaluation at high power, high repetition rates

Two double-gap tubes, the EEV 1536-R and the ITT F-266, were operated at 40 kV and 6 kHz for 100 s bursts at average powers of 600 kW and 1.2 MW. Operations at 10 kHz was also attempted for the two thyratrons. An initiative is planned for the evaluation of a three gap tube, the EEV 1776, at 80 kV, 6 kHz, for 100 s burst operation. The thyratrons were operated in a RLC test circuit to simulate half-sine duty. Reliable operation is achieved by using a saturable inductor in the charging circuit and adjusting the load resistance of the discharging circuit for a 10% voltage reversal on the anode after the tube fires. These techniques combined provide 25 μs to 30 μs for switch recovery after conduction