Factors Affecting the Operation of Multi-Electrode Spark Gaps

Summary form only given. This paper considers and reports on several aspects of multielectrode switch design and their influence on switching behavior and performance. Non-symmetrical, uni-directional electrode topologies can be employed with advantages over traditional symmetrical design, in some applications. The choice of working gas and gas pressure can influence switching performance in terms of delay time and jitter. Other factors such as switch triggering, switching sequence and switching mechanism have also been studied with a view to understanding how reliable multi-electrode switching can be effected.