Ignitron converters for high-energy accelerators

A LARGE proton-synchrotron (bevatron) requires the magnet current to build up rather slowly to a maximum value. To save the energy stored in the magnetic field and restart the cycle in a short time, the magnet current must be forced to zero by a counter voltage. The acceleration of particles is accomplished in the current build-up period, and this is the most critical portion of the load cycle.