Thyratron_GB-exp

The label glued on the body states that this is an experimental tube. No manufacturer or code can be read. The glass body measures about 70 mm high by 38.5 mm diameter.

Despite its very compact size this looks to be a gas thyratron, maybe hydrogen type. We know that unsuccessful experiments were made in 1942 on samples of hydrogen thyratrons designed by BTH and GEC. Their life was too short for any operative use, due to the fast adsorption of the filling hydrogen by electrodes. The problem was later solved in the U.S.A. using large glass bulbs and hydrogen reservoirs made of titanium hydride dispensers inside the bulb.

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