A systematic study of a new family of high power switches is proposed. This study is directed toward applying recently obtained results and knowledge to the need for improved switches for lasers and other applications, and toward improving the understanding of these new switches. The new switch is an optically triggered thyratron, also referred to as a back of the cathode, light triggered thyratron (BLT). Several versions are to be studied. Improved switches are needed for excimer lasers in the medum power range and above, pulsed electron beams, and various types of accelerators. This need is important because a significant part of the performance limitation of these devices, and hence the industrial applications, are caused by limitations imposed by the types of switches that are available. Improved switches will lead to much more useful devices for industrial applications. The BLT operates cold cathode, does not arc, and has improved characteristics over existing thyratrons in the areas that are most important for these applications, including considerably improved current rate of rise, peak current and reverse current handling capability.
