A high-Coulomb transfer radial multi-channel pseudospark switch

Summary form only given, as follows. We investigated a radial multi-channel pseudospark as a switch for pulsed power that has pulse durations of 1 ms and peak currents of 100 kA using 20 kJ, 100 kJ, and 300 kJ capacitor banks. The anode and the cathode were made of stainless steel, but the upper part of anode was made of SiC or CrCu for the purpose of reducing electrode erosion owing to low-pressure arc discharges. The hydrogen gas filled switch was triggered by a high dielectric trigger, which was explored by using optical and electrical measurements of the discharges for the development of a seal-off type switch with hydrogen reservoirs. The uniformity of discharges on each channel and the delay time or jitter were dependant on the gas pressure and the trigger biasing method. We discussed the switch characteristics and the arc dynamics between the upper parts of the electrodes.