Pulsed Hollow Cathode Discharge Characteristics

Hollow electrode structures are used in many applications to produce high intensity glow discharges. They provide high current densities at lower voltages compared to planar geometries. In this study, pulsed hollow cathode effects are investigated. Setup consists of hollow copper electrodes with 1.6 cm diameter cavity and a pulsed trigger unit attached to the rear side of the cathode (secondary cathode). The electrode surfaces have 2 mm diameter holes each for discharge propagation. The set-up is operated at 0.3 to 3.0 Torr pressure under pulsed applied voltages. Voltage-current characteristics and breakdown voltage measurements are performed. This compact structure can be used in pulsed power switching applications.