Applications of electron beams for precise switching of high voltages

Author

Newton, M. ; McDonald, Kyle ; Kunhardt, Erich E. ; Kristiansen, M. ; Guenther, A.H.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electr. Eng., Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, TX, USA

Volume

1

fYear

1979

fDate

3-6 July 1979

Firstpage

167

Lastpage

173

Abstract

An advanced, externally triggered, spark gap switch, capable of closing in a few nanoseconds, with subnanosecond statistics, is being developed. One of the principal parameters that determines the characteristics of a spark gap switch is the nature of the space charge produced in the gap by the triggering mechanism. In this paper, we describe the application of a 200 keV, .5 kA, pulsed electron beam for precise switching of high voltages. Using this beam as the source of space charge, we have been able to switch voltages up to 500 kV with nanosecond statistics. The characteristic of the electron gun, the experimental switching arrangement, the results obtained with this arrangement, and the desirable characteristics of this switching technique are discussed.

Keywords

electron beam applications; electron guns; pulsed power switches; space charge; spark gaps; current 5 kA; electron gun characteristic; electron volt energy 200 keV; experimental switching arrangement; high voltage switching; pulsed electron beam; space charge source; spark gap switching technique; subnanosecond statistics; triggering mechanism; Anodes; Cathodes; Educational institutions; Electric breakdown; Electron beams; Laser beams; Switches;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

High-Power Electron and Ion Beam Research & Technology, 1979 3rd International Topical Conference on

Conference_Location

Novosibirsk

Type

conf

Filename

6405162