Breakdown Phenomena in Nitrogen Due to Repetitive Nanosecond-pulses

Nanosecond-pulse breakdown presents special characteristics, depending on the pulse rise time and duration. Based on a repetitive nanosecond-pulse generator, breakdown phenomena of parallel-plate gaps in nitrogen were investigated with single shot and repetitive burst conditions under different gap conditions. The relationships among applied voltage, pulse repetition frequency, breakdown time lag, repetitive pulse stress time, and the number of applied pulses are presented. The curves involved in E-field strength, breakdown time lag and gas pressure are also obtained. The results show that single nanosecond-pulse breakdown was different from repetitive nanosecond-pulse breakdown. Repetitive nanosecond-pulse breakdown should be associated with the accumulation effect of residual ions and metastable species created by previous pulses