Superconducting switches using radiation induced quenching

The use of penetrating radiation such as X-rays or high energy electrons to cause quenching of a superconducting short across an inductive energy store, thereby switching the persistent current into an external load, is examined. The basic equations describing this process within the two-fluid model are presented, and estimates of the size of megampere switches are made. The ratio of switching energy to switched energy is derived, and X-ray vs. electron impact quenching is discussed. Several geometries for practical switches are presented.