Characteristics of pseudospark devices with electrodes containing LaB6

The results of comparative study of pseudospark switch devices with electrodes coated by sprayed LaB₆ and made from different sintered compositions on a base of powders of W, Mo, Fe and LaB₆ impregnated by Cu as well from material without LaB₆ are presented. The devices operated in the modes of superdense glow discharge with current up to 3 kA and vacuum arc with current up to 10 kA. The electrode materials on the base of LaB₆ decrease the glow and arc discharge voltage, facilitate raising the vacuum arc during the current pulse front, decrease probability of current quenching, ensure a diffuse arc discharge uniformly distributed over a large part of electrode surfaces during the whole current pulse and decrease the level of electrode erosion (up to 3 times)