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I replaced a main thyratron for a linear accelerator this morning. This new thyratron glows slightly blue. A thyratron is basically a very fast high power switch. It costs about $3000 a thyratron, and of course, it's super fragile. They need to be replaced fairly regularly. It should be noted that the bad thyratron that was taken out was very hot, and precautions should be taken for that. Gloves are worn to stop oils from fingers from causing hot spots on the glass cause it to crack.