Microsecond plasma opening switches operation scenario

The regularities of current closing and tearing in the microsecond megaampere plasma opening switches are considered. It is outlined the switch conduction current scaling which is determined by the plasma acceleration by the magnetic piston, and its comparison with the experimental results. It is considered the current channel structure formation which is determined by diffusion and convective magnetic field transport into the accelerated plasma flow. On basis of the experimental results, it is given the switch voltage scaling depending on the switch parameters. It is discussed problem of the switch reverse closing restricting the energy output efficiency from an inductive storage to a load.