Type of gas-filled tube used as a pulsed modulator device
Inelectronics, acrossatron is a high-power pulsedmodulator device that consists of acold cathodegas-filled tube that combines features ofthyratrons,vacuum tubes, and powersemiconductor switches. This switch is capable of operating with voltages in excess of 100kilovolts by the use ofdeuterium gas fill to increase thePaschen breakdown voltage, axialmolybdenum cathode corrugations to provide a higher current capability, and a Paschen shield that is formed from molybdenum. The terminal curvature of the Paschen shield and of the adjacent portion of the anode are selected to establish a voltage stress at the curved Paschen shield surface within the approximate range of 90–150 kV/cm in response to a 100 kV differential. The cold cathode gives the crossatron an advantage of achievable lifetime and reliability in comparison to a hydrogen-filled thyratron.
It features fast start-up speeds and operates well when enduring high temperatures, high radiation,electromagnetic pulse, and repeatedovervoltage and overcurrent events. Crossatron switch applications inpower conditioning include high-voltage phase-control-rectifier service, high-frequency DC-to-ACinverter modulation,voltage regulation, command charging, and fault protection.Pulsed power applications include high-speed discharging ofcapacitors andpulse forming networks, repetitive opening ofinductive-energy-storage circuits, modulation ofsquare wave pulses in hard-tube modulators, and fault protection.
https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a223766.pdf
