Geometrical Effects of Exploding Films on Plasma Formation

Summary form only given. Metallized exploding films can serve as a surrogate for exploding wires in many applications. A few advantages that films have over wires are that they are more structurally robust and can be shaped more easily for specific applications. If long films are desired, for example to reduce ESD sensitivity, the film can be shaped to fit in a variety of geometries. In our experiments, films as long as 13" have exhibited plasma formation. Experiments were performed to analyze the effect of the geometry of the film on the transient plasma formation. Tests with flat geometries and spiral geometries were conducted. The results have been analyzed and are presented.