Paschen Characteristics of the Pseudospark Discharge

Summary form only given. A study of breakdown voltage as a function of electrode geometry in pseudospark discharges is presented. The presence of the hollow cathode in a pseudospark discharge results in a variable ionization volume as a function of electrode diameter and anode voltage. We derive approximate Paschen characteristics using particle balance arguments in a vacuum electric field. The result of the study suggests a reduction in size of the pseudospark switch, as it needs no additional electrode diameter than what is necessary to support the superemissive cathode current density. The smaller electrode area exposed to the hold-off electric field helps to reduce statistical misfire in addition to maximizing the dependence of the breakdown voltage on the aperture geometry, thus aiding in trigger reliability.