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Low voltage drop, cross-field, gas switch and method of operation

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1568183
A gas switch includes an anode and a cathode spaced apart from the anode, wherein the cathode includes a conduction surface. The gas switch also includes a plurality of magnets arranged to generate a magnetic field that defines an annular path over a portion of the conduction surface at a radial distance from a switch axis, and a control grid positioned between the anode and the cathode. In operation, the control grid is arranged to establish a conducting plasma between the anode and the cathode, wherein, in the presence of the conducting plasma, a voltage drop between the anode and the cathode is less than 150 volts, and wherein the conducting plasma forms a cathode spot that circles the annular path.
Research Organization:
General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AR0000298
Assignee:
General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY)
Patent Number(s):
10,256,067
Application Number:
15/860,225
OSTI ID:
1568183
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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