Thyratron FAQs

What is the difference between a CX1154 and a CX1154L?

• The main difference between these two variants is the filling gas, the CX1154L is hydrogen and the CX1154 is deuterium.  These filling gasses give the thyratrons slightly different operational capabilities, the deuterium filled thyratron can hold off a higher voltage, however, it requires a longer recovery time.  The CX1154L was designed specifically for the lower recovery time required by medical Linacs, along with the hydrogen filling, it also has a slightly different internal arrangement for the Grid 2 to aid the faster recovery time. The hydrogen ions being lighter than the deuterium will bombard the cathode less and the cathode life could be longer, though the end of life could lead to gas pressure reduction. It is NOT recommended that these thyratrons are used interchangeably, so it is important to use the correct thyratron specified for the machine.