Plasma opening switch. A system and structure analysis in the framework of the Hall MHD [pulsed power]

Power flow in a plasma opening switch device is analyzed in the framework of the Hall magnetohydrodynamics. Previously, an attempt to provide scaling laws for conduction and opening times was performed. The present work mainly concerns the Hall MHD treatment of the opening phase, when both fast electron magnetohydrodynamics magnetic field evolution and the ion motion are incorporated. Obtained results represent description of the Hall erosion in a quasineutral POS plasma. Question of the current redistribution and switching from the POS to the load, as well as possible schemes of an optimized plasma switch are discussed.