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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Multichannel spark-gap technology for staged theta-pinch machines

Conference ·
OSTI ID:4134886
Triggered multichannel switches operating at voltages up to 180 kV with inductances of 10 to 15 nH have been developed for the staged theta-pinch machines at LASL. These multichannel devices, depending upon their design, can switch up to 30 kJ per switch with peak currents up to 1 MA. The designs of the various spark-gap configurations are discussed from a mechanical and an electrical viewpoint. The switching modes including crowbar, high-voltage start, and high-voltage holdoff low-voltage start, as well as the experimentally determined triggering characteristics, are also discussed. (auth)
Research Organization:
Los Alamos Scientific Lab., N.Mex. (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
NSA Number:
NSA-33-009075
OSTI ID:
4134886
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--75-2152; CONF-751125--48
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English