Parameter variations for enhanced over-voltage triggering of a switching spark gap

For large electroporation devices synchronized triggering of at least two Marx generators with low jitter is required. The Marx generators are operated continuously at a repetition rate of approximately 20 Hz. The method of overvoltage triggering is applied in order to achieve a long lifetime of the electrodes. The spark gaps are operated in nitrogen gas. For a fast ignition at low jitter a preionisation of the triggered spark gap is required in order to generate seed electrons. A corona discharge next to the electrodes is used for seed electron generation. The discharge is stabilized by means of a series resistor. The nitrogen gas is streamed through the spark gaps in order to cool the electrodes and remove remaining charged particles. An enhanced arrangement of the corona discharge and nitrogen flow enables a more efficient operation of the switching spark gap. The paper describes experimental results of parameter variations for the switching spark gap.