Electrostatic plasma injection switch

Abstract

A low pressure gas discharge switch operating in the 0.1–0.7 Torr range and triggered by electrostatic plasma injection is described. The trigger and cathode electrodes are coaxial cylinders, with the trigger electrode (the inner cylinder) being divided into resistively isolated sections. The anode electrode is collinear with both of these electrodes. Commutation is initiated by the generation of a plasma in the trigger-cathode region, with subsequent injection into the anode–cathode space. This injection is driven by self-generated voltage gradients between the sections of the trigger electrode. Results from measurements of the characteristics (plasma injection speed, electron density and temperature, anode and trigger current, and voltage wave forms) of a test device operated at hold-off voltages of up to 17 kV and currents up to 5 kA are presented.