Triggered low-pressure pseudospark-based high power switch

Investigations and operational results of a pseudospark-based high-power switch are reported. The switch is designed for hold-off voltages and peak currents of 40 kV and 25 kA, respectively. From results obtained with various laboratory-type O-ring sealed switches, an improved, fully brazed metal-ceramic version was developed and investigated. The results show the capability of switching pulse energies of up to 40 J at a current rise rate of 8×10¹¹ A/s and a current reversal of up to 95%. After several 10⁶ discharges there was no significant change in the operational data of the switch. The long-term behavior of the pseudospark switch is currently under investigation under conditions similar to those in excimer laser circuits