Design of a Nanosecond High Voltage Multiple-Stage Spark Gap Switch

Summary form only given. Spark-gap switches are currently extensively used in pulse power systems. High power pulsed applications, however, require fast rise time and low inductance of the switch. The advantage of using a multiple gap switch (several spark gaps in series) is its sharpening effect. If the first gap breaks down, an over-voltage will occur over the remaining ones, resulting in successive breakdowns of the other gaps. The last one determines the instance of the switching. By optimizing the number of gaps and using gas at high pressure, multiple-gap switch/switches can be used for repetitive application. Fast rise times (down to 1 nanosecond) are obtainable because of the short distance of the individual gaps.