Abstract:
An orientation independent ignitron (OII) has an anode, a cathode with a plurality of spaced grooves facing the anode, and a cooling mechanism 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 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.
Abstract:
An orientation independent ignitron (OII) has an anode, a cathode with a plurality of spaced grooves facing the anode, and a cooling mechanism 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 providing ignition for a pair of adajcent grooves. The igniters can be operated simultanously 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.
Abstract:
An orientation independent ignitron (OII) has an anode, a cathode with a plurality of spaced grooves facing the anode, and a cooling mechanism 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 providing ignition for a pair of adajcent grooves. The igniters can be operated simultanously 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.
Abstract:
A liquid electrode tip has a housing with a top, a bottom and at least one peripheral side wall. The housing has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet is located at the top of the housing. A solution reservoir is positioned within the housing. The solution reservoir has a solution inlet in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and a solution outlet in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. A conductor is positioned within the housing with at least a portion of the conductor being submerged by a liquid in the solution reservoir. A staging area at the top of the housing is provided into which the liquid from the solution reservoir flows from the liquid outlet.
Abstract:
A filament for a light bulb includes a tube and a filament material within the tube, wherein the filament material is configured to be in a liquid state while the light bulb is in use.