Optically triggered back-lighted thyratron network
First Claim
1. A switch network comprising:
- output means for providing an output;
power supply means for providing power;
pulse-forming network means for storing power supplied by said power supply means, said pulse-forming means being electrically coupled to said power supply means;
plural light-initiated glow discharge switches electrically coupled to each other, to said pulse forming means and to said output means; and
a light source optically coupled to said switches so that when said light source is activated said switches close to transfer power from said pulse-forming network means to said output means.
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Abstract
A high-power switch network includes a laser fiber optically coupled to a network including light-initiated glow discharge switches in a Marx configuration. A low pressure gas source is used to replenish gas within the switches lost due to ionization. Each switch has a cylindrical insulating envelope with conductive end caps at each end. The end caps are electrically coupled, respectively, to a cup-shaped anode and a cup-shaped cathode. Apertures are formed centrally in closely spaced plates of the respective cup-shaped electrodes. Optical fiber cables extend through vacuum sealed ports of the switches so that the unfocused laser light is directed about the aperture of the cathode so as to close the switch, thus providing a high power output from the network.
47 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A switch network comprising:
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output means for providing an output; power supply means for providing power; pulse-forming network means for storing power supplied by said power supply means, said pulse-forming means being electrically coupled to said power supply means; plural light-initiated glow discharge switches electrically coupled to each other, to said pulse forming means and to said output means; and a light source optically coupled to said switches so that when said light source is activated said switches close to transfer power from said pulse-forming network means to said output means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification