GAS DISCHARGE DEVICE

Abstract: A device suitable for switching large currents includes, within a gas filled envelope, an anode (1), electrodes (2 and 3) and a thermionic cathode (4). Initially, the device holds off a voltage until a triggering pulse is applied to electrode (3). This causes an electron current to be established between the thermionic cathode (4) and anode (1). When the current reaches a sufficiently large value, further conduction through the device occurs via current drawn from the surface of the electrode (2) in cold cathode mode, bypassing the cathode (4).

Description: Gas Discharge Device This invention relates to gas discharge devices. A thyratron is a known type of gas discharge device which, in a simple embodiment, includes a cathode, anode and intervening control electrode contained within a gas filled envelope. The thyratron is capable of holding off a voltage until a triggering pulse is applied to the control electrode and current is transmitted through the device. The present invention seeks to provide a gas discharge device which is capable of handling large peak currents and high coulomb transfer. According to the invention there is provided a gas discharge device comprising a gas filled envelope containing a thermionic cathode, an anode and a first electrode located between them wherein, during conduction through the device, electron current is initially derived from the cathode and subsequently, when the current reaches a sufficient magnitude, from a surface of the electrode in cold cathode mode. By employing the invention a device may be provided having a triggering capability which is as reliable as that of a thyratron, but which also offers coulombic transfer capability at high peak current which may exceed existing thyratron capabilities by a factor of 10-100 in magnitude. The first electrode may preferably be connected in parallel with the thermionic cathode. In one embodiment, electrical connection means between them is integral with the device and in another is provided by an external circuit in which the device is connected. In a preferred embodiment, a second electrode is included and means for applying a triggering signal thereto for initiating conduction through the device. Advantageous embodiments of the invention may hold-off positive (or negative) high voltage (up to lOOkV), and when triggered, conduct high peak currents (5-500kA) with long pulse widths (10-100 microsecs). A device in accordance with the invention may act as a high coulombic switch in high energy capacitor banks and crowbar protection circuits for example. One way in which the invention may be performed is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which the sole Figure schematically illustrates a device in accordance with the invention. With reference to the Figure a sealed-off cylindrical device of metal and ceramic (or glass or other electrical insulator) construction includes an envelope which contains four electrodes, that is, an anode 1, thermionic cathode 4 and two electrodes 2 and 3 located between them. The device is filled with hydrogen or deuterium at a pressure in the region of 50-5000 mTorr, which is sustained by a titanium hydride heated reservoir 6. High voltage is held-off between die anode 1 and the adjacent electrode 2, in accordance with Paschen's Law. The thermionic cathode 4 heated by a filament 5 provides a source of electrons to facilitate triggering and initiate conduction. The device is triggered by applying a positive pulse to electrode 3 with respect to the thermionic cathode 4. The applied positive pulse establishes a discharge in the region between the electrode and the thermionic cathode. The established discharge plasma diffuses through apertures in the electrode 3 and into the region between electrode 2 and electrode 3. The electric field from the high voltage gap between the anode 1 and the adjacent grid electrode 2 penetrates apertures in the grid electrode 2 and thus influences the plasma created by the trigger pulse. Electrons are accelerated by the influence of the high voltage field and cause further ionisation which spreads plasma into the high voltage gap and initiates breakdown of the device. The high voltage applied between the anode 1 and electrode 2 falls rapidly to a low value and the switch becomes closed. The conduction process then proceeds in two phases. During Phase 1, the thermionic cathode structure provides all the electron current conducted by the device. Current builds up in the external circuit until a point is reached when the apertures in electrode 2 can no longer sustain the current. At this point, Phase 2 of conduction is established when electron current is drawn from the upper surface of electrode 2 in cold-cathode mode. Phase 2 conduction then continues until the external circuit voltages fall to values close to zero. During Phase 2 conduction, current bypasses the thermionic cathode and electrode 3 by virtue of electrical conductor(s) 7, which may either be part of the device or may be added as part of the external circuit. Phase 1 conduction creates ionised hydrogen plasma which provides a significant level of pre-ionisation to facilitate the onset of Phase 2 conduction. The high voltage gap formed by anode and grid electrode has dimensions and a geometiy which are consistent with Paschen's Law but which also maintain high voltage reliability despite the surface damage which may occur to anode and adjacent electrodes during Phase 2 conduction.

Claims: Claims 1. A gas discharge device comprising a gas filled envelope containing a thermionic cathode, an anode and a first electrode located between them wherein, during conduction through the device, electron current is initially derived from the cathode and subsequently, when the current reaches a sufficient magnitude, from a surface of the electrode in cold cathode mode. 2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first electrode is electrically in parallel with the thermionic cathode. 3. A device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein electrical connection means between the first electrode and cathode is integral with the device. 4. A device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein electrical connection means between the first electrode and cathode is part of an external circuit in which the device is connected. 5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, and including a second electrode and means for applying a trigger signal thereto to initiate conduction through the device. 6. A device as claimed in Claim 5 and wherein the first electrode is positioned between the anode and the second electrode. 7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device holds off a voltage of the order of 100 kV. 8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device conducts currents in the range 5 kA to 500 kA during operation. 9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device conducts pulses having a pulse width of from 10 microseconds to 100 microseconds. 10. A gas discharge device substantially as illustrated in and described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Inventors: COOK KENNETH, PIRRIE COLIN ARCHIBOLD, ROBERTS CLIVE ANTHONY, WEATHERUP CLIFF ROBERT, COOK, KENNETH, PIRRIE, COLIN, ARCHIBOLD, ROBERTS, CLIVE, ANTHONY, WEATHERUP, CLIFF, ROBERT
Applicants: COOK KENNETH, EEV LTD, PIRRIE COLIN ARCHIBOLD, ROBERTS CLIVE ANTHONY, WEATHERUP CLIFF ROBERT, COOK, KENNETH, EEV LIMITED, PIRRIE, COLIN, ARCHIBOLD, ROBERTS, CLIVE, ANTHONY, WEATHERUP, CLIFF, ROBERT
Application year: 1996
Main classification: H01J17
IPC codes: H01J17