Two-site Marx switch with graphite electrodes

In order to increase the lifetime of Marx switches, we are developing a switch that uses graphite electrodes. The switch has two sites to prevent the graphite from spalling. To ensure that both sites carry current, we use a low-jitter gas (such as an 80/20% mixture of Ar and SF/sub 6/), the sites are illuminated with UV, and may be linked with ferrites as well. As proof-of-concept, we have demonstrated that current is shared by two single-site switches in parallel. We have constructed a prototype two-site switch, which is being tested.