Numerical analysis of multi-channel gap switch in pulsed power generators and breakdown phenomena

A multi-channel gap switch with parallel arc discharges has become a standard to obtain a fast pulse in pulsed power generators. Although several empirical formulas to discuss the multi arcing have been presented, they are not sufficient to design various multi-channel gap switches. Furthermore, there is not enough knowledge about breakdown phenomena for the gap switch. In this paper, the behavior of the multi-channel gap switch is investigated by numerical analysis using the Monte Carlo simulation. A simple multi-channel gap switch is also experimented upon, and then, the numerical analysis is compared with the experimental results. The agreement of the results introduces the parameters describing the electrical breakdown phenomena, which is difficult to obtain by using a gap system.