Abstract:
High energy switching device utilizing a gas discharge tube with input and output electrodes connected electrically in series with a source and a load. A control element is connected to the input electrode, and a trigger signal is applied to the control element to initiate firing of the tube to pass energy from the source to the load. An electrostatic shield is disposed about the output electrode to prevent the tube from self firing in the absence of a trigger signal when the potential between the electrodes is below a predetermined level.
Abstract:
Electrically parallel discharges induced within a flash tube containing an inert gas at low pressure provide a compact source of radiation suitable for optical purposes. The discharges result from potential differences established between pairs of an array of three or more electrode pairs contained within the tube and arranged substantially symmetrically about a central axis. The electrode pairs are energizable independently of one another. Because of the magnetic forces between the discharges and the symmetry of the electrodes, the discharges are attracted to one another and form a substantially stable plasma which does not contact the tube walls and comprises a compact radiation source.
Abstract:
A millimeter wave glow discharge detector biased to achieve an improvement in signal to noise ratio of about 20 dB. The glow discharge detector tube comprises three or more electrodes, including an anode biased with respect to a cathode so as to generate a first discharge current which forms a high density plasma of electrons in a specific region of the tube, and a sensing electrode positioned with respect to the cathode such that it is affected by the area of high electron density, and biased to draw a relatively small second discharge current. Incident millimeter wave radiation interacts with electrons in the plasma region of the tube, resulting in changes in the second discharge current and the voltage at the sensing electrode.