Characteristics and Functions of Thyratrons

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Abstract
The Thyratron is a tube of very low resistance (arc discharge) which can be started or prevented from starting by a grid. Its qualities are: enormous power‐amplification, approximately 1011 per tube; efficiency between 95 and 99 percent at all voltages above 250; unlimited size, as regards current‐capacity; high‐voltage limit equal to that of the Pliotron; starting time one to six microseconds; deionization time 10 to 500 microseconds. Use of Thyratron as switch and for power control. The controlling element may be a switch, clock, thermostat, or photo‐tube; the controlled element a motor, magnet, contactor, or reactor. Typical applications of this kind of use are; turning on lamps at dusk, dispatching products to predetermined stations, cutting hot steel bars to exact length, opening doors at the approach of a person, wrapping packages, sorting beans and other articles, counting people or products, operating line or spot welding machines. By varying the phase of the grid‐voltage with respect to that of the anode voltage, a smooth variation of average anode current may be obtained. A typical application is the dimming and blending of lights in theaters. Use of Thyratron as rectifier and as inverter from direct to alternating current. Immediate objectives are frequency changing, from 60 to 25 cycles for railway and power purposes, and from 60 to 200 for spinning mills; and commutatorless motors of variable and controllable speed. A more remote but important application is d.c. transmission of power, with inversion to a.c. at the point of utilization. Use of Thyratrons in scientific research. Applications include high‐speed stroboscopes, timing devices, synchronous switches, and voltage regulators. Most interesting and promising of all is a device for counting alpha‐particles, protons, and neutrons.

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