Sequential Nanosecond Switch

Summary form only given. This work presents a way to create sequential switches using propagation of the overvoltage wave along a series of switching elements. The process is based on the interaction of three dividing components. The base component consists of switches, which come into action when voltage exceeds their threshold breakdown voltage. Two auxiliary components consist of a series combination of capacitive elements. In the initial state of the sequential switch, the quasi-static electric field generated by an external electric circuit is uniformly distributed over all switch elements. The elements of the base and auxiliary components form coupled circuits, and the coupling between them provides the process of propagation of the overvoltage wave, which is initiated by a short circuit of any switching element. The electric field, which is formed on the wave front, exceeds its initial strength by two or more times. We present a sequential switch realized as a high current multiple gap controlled switch with high pressure gas operating in a regime of multiple-spark nanosecond commutation. Results of experimental investigations of the switch are presented.