Recent developments in PEOS theory

Summary form only given. A theoretical model for plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS) operation based on simulations has been developed. In this mode, emitted electrons interact with a plasma embedded in a strong magnetic field, producing large electrostatic potentials. The energetic emitted electrons also excite plasma instabilities as they stream through plasma ions. These instabilities produce the anomalous resistivity that allows magnetic field penetration in the body of the plasma above the cathode sheath. Faraday cups at the cathode have been used to collect ions accelerated into the cathode during PEOS conduction and opening. These show ion fluxes during the conduction phase that are larger than expected from the injected-flux-limited bipolar PEOS model. These experimental results have been compared to simulations