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(11) | EP 0 534 507 A3 |
(12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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(54) | Orientation independent ignitron with grooved cathode |
(57) An orientation independent ignitron (OII) has an anode (32), a cathode (2) with a
plurality of spaced grooves (4) facing the anode, and a cooling mechanism (8) which
causes liquid metal vapor to condense as a film which is retained on the grooved cathode
surface by surface tension and forms reservoirs within the grooves. The cathode and
anode are preferably cylindrical and coaxial, with the inner surface of the cathode
having parallel annular grooves facing the outer anode surface. Igniters are preferably
introduced into convex areas between adjacent grooves along radial lines, with individual
igniters (10) providing ignition for a pair of adjacent grooves. The igniters can
be operated simultaneously or in sequence, depending upon the desired repetition rate
and current capacity. A liquid metal film is initially formed by placing the OII on
its side, introducing liquid metal into the lower ends of the grooves, and causing
arcing between the anode and liquid metal to flow the liquid metal and wet the adjacent
groove surface. Some of the liquid metal also evaporates and re-condenses on other
portions of the cathode, establishing a continuous film. |