Optimal use of double pin ionization gauges for shock wave detection.

A study was conducted to investigate the response of the gauges to ionization in the gas and to discover, if possible, how the circuitry could be modified to make the system operable over a wider range of operating conditions. Shock wave velocities in the range from 3.5 to 27 km/sec were used in the studies. The electronic circuit developed is capable of producing a trigger pulse at a given voltage level across the gauge pins.