Preliminary Performance Characterization of a High-Current Cs-Ba Tacitron

Preliminary performance characterization of a high current Cs-Ba tacitron has been completed. Characterization includes analysis of the effects of emitter temperature, cesium reservoir pressure, and barium reservoir pressure on the I-V performance of the device. In particular, these operating parameters' effects on the forward voltage drop and maximum conduction current are presented in detail. Preliminary grid controlled modulation and voltage hold off capabilities are also outlined. Analysis shows that the high current Cs-Ba tacitron performs similar to previously tested cylindrical and planar Cs-Ba tacitrons. Current densities of nearly 10 A/cm2 were consistently achieved with forward voltage drops of less than 2 V at conduction currents of greater than 250 A. Preliminary modulation data (low collector bias limited) show modulation frequencies of up to 12 kHz at current densities of about 3 A/cm2, voltage drops of less than 5 V, and conduction currents of up to 80 A. The device has demonstrated preliminary voltage hold-off of greater than approximately 125 V (power supply limited). These preliminary operating characteristics in conjunction with the tacitron's inherent tolerance of temperature and radiation make it a potential switching mechanism for not only space nuclear power applications, but for other terrestrial high temperature and/or high radiation applications.Air Force Inst of Tech Wright-Patterson AFB OH is the author of 'Preliminary Performance Characterization of a High-Current Cs-Ba Tacitron', published 1996 under ISBN 9781423576464 and ISBN 1423576462.