John Hutchison & Ronnie Milione
The Philadelphia Experiment Recreated!
A typical thyratron is a gas-filled tube for radar modulators. The function of the high-vacuum tube modulator is to act as a switch to turn a pulse ON and OFF at the transmitter in response to a control signal.
The grid has complete control over the initiation of cathode emission for a
wide range of voltages. The anode is completely shielded from the cathode by the
grid. Thus, effective grid action results in very smooth firing over a wide
range of anode voltages and repetition frequencies. Unlike most other thyratrons,
the positive grid-control characteristic ensures stable operation. In addition,
deionization time is reduced by using the hydrogen-filled tube. A trigger pulse
ionize the gas between the anode and the cathode. Only by removing the plate
potential or reducing it to the point where the electrons do not have enough
energy to produce ionization will tube conduction and the production of positive
ions stop. Only after the production of positive ions is stopped will the grid
be able to regain control.
Because of the very high anode voltage the anode is attached most on the upper
end of the glass bulb. Therefore the tube looks very ancient.
By the ionized gas it shines in the ionizated condition like a glow lamp.
