A model for the operation of a laser-triggered vacuum low-inductance switch

A new model for the operation of a laser-triggered vacuum switch utilizing a composite target pellet in the cathode is given along with supporting experimental results. It is shown that two separate mechanisms are responsible for the operation of the switch, namely, a thermal mechanism for the initial current flow and an ion regeneration mechanism for the current buildup. The current buildup is strongly dependent upon geometry, as is evident from the experiments with 3- and 1-mm apertures in the anode. The jitter time is primarily determined during current buildup and nearly independent of the laser energy. An ion regeneration mechanism is consistent with the experimental data for current buildup, and a thermal mechanism is consistent with the initial generation of current