Experimental investigation and analysis of the operation characteristics of a planar Cs--Ba tacitron

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Review of Scientific Instruments; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1144521· OSTI ID:6840555

Wernsman, B; El-Genk, M S ^[1]; Kaibyshev, V Z ^[2]

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1. Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 (United States)
2. Russian Scientific Center, Kurchatov Institute, Moscow 123182 (Russian Federation)

The experimentally measured modulation characteristics of a planar Cs--Ba plasma switch (tacitron) are presented and discussed. Tests are performed that focus on characterizing the operation capabilities of a planar Cs--Ba tacitron. Results show that the operation characteristics of the device are independent of geometry (cylindrical or planar). The forward voltage drop decreases as either the grid-collector (GC) gap size and/or the Cs pressure increases. Also, stable current modulation is easier to sustain when the grid is placed closer to the collector, at the expense of increasing the forward voltage drop across the device.

• OSTI ID: 6840555
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments; (United States), Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments; (United States) Vol. 65:11; ISSN 0034-6748; ISSN RSINAK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
426000* -- Engineering-- Components
Electron Devices & Circuits-- (1990-)
ALKALI METALS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
BARIUM
CESIUM
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
GRIDS
METALS
MODULATION
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PLASMA SWITCHES
SWITCHES
TESTING
VOLTAGE DROP