A fundamental theory of high power thyratrons I: The electron temperature

Abstract

This paper is a part of a series intended to develop a detailed understanding of the physics of hydrogen thyratrons. This theory is needed, because the improvement of electrical switches such as the thyratron are now necessary for the development of high power lasers and other devices. In this paper, a detailed analysis of many different electron, atomic and molecular collisional and radiative processes is made, in order to determine the electron temperature in a thyratron plasma. Calculations of the rates for production of Balmer lines are made and the results are summarized in a way that can be used for in situ measurements.