Computer simulation of the plasma-filled diode

Summary form only given, as follows. The plasma-filled diode (PFD) consists of a low-density plasma injected into an electron-beam diode in a pulsed power system. The PFD has been used as a prepulse suppression switch and as an opening switch/e-beam diode for inductive energy storage devices. The plasma initially provides a low-impedance load. However, as the current increases, the impedance eventually rises rapidly, opening the switch. The behavior of this device was examined using the 2-1/2-D electromagnetic particle code ISIS. The investigation included an examination of the magnetic field penetration of the plasma, the motion of the electron beam, and the formation of sheaths at the electrodes