GAS DISCHARGE DEVICE

摘要

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).