The NRL plasma erosion opening switch research program

Inductive storage systems with fast opening switches for pulsed power applications offer the possibility of increased energy density and higher power output than conventional systems. The key element in such a system is a final vacuum opening switch which must be able to conduct megampere-level currents, open in ≲ 10 ns, and withstand megavolt-level voltages when open. The plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS) meets these requirements. Experiments using this switch in conjunction with a vacuum inductive store have been performed on the Gamble I and Gamble II generators at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Pulse compression and power multiplication have been demonstrated, and some scaling experiments have been performed. A model of the switch operation has been developed. The status of the NRL PEOS program will be reviewed.