C+ and C2+ optimized plasma opening switch for inductive storage

Summary form only given. A plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS) experiment has been conducted to measure plasma density and velocity. Carbon plasma was created by a capacitor bank. Plasma density was measured either by microwave interferometry or by Faraday cup. From the charge collectors, the velocity of the plasma jet was determined. The time structure of the plasma was studied as a function of the capacitor bank charging voltage. The plasma composition was determined by time-integrated spectroscopy. Plasma extension in space was measured by time-integrated photography. The time evolution of line radiation was correlated with both interferometry and charge collectors. Three components of the plasma were determined and studied in time: H⁺ , with velocity V_H=7 cm/μs, C⁺, and C²⁺ with velocity V_C=2 cm/μs. These velocities agree with the hypothesis of equal energy per atom, V_H=V_C(m_H/ m_C)^1/2, and the plasma expansion model