Nanosecond spark gap switching measurements
The switching time of gas and oil dielectric spark gaps was measured in the nanosecond and subnanosecond time regime. The observed switching characteristics of the two spark gaps were compared with those predicted by empirical formulas. The formulas used primarily were those developed in somewhat slower time regimes by J.C. Martin. For the given geometry, the switching times of both gaps were dominated by the resistive phase rather than by any inductive effects. The rise times observed from the output of the gas switch were consistently greater than those predicted for resistive phase duration in a gas spark. With charge times of from 50 to 60 ns to electric field values of from 170 to 350 kV/cm, 10% to 90% output rise times of from 2.8 to 8.2 ns were observed. The dielectric strength of the oil switch was consistent with the empirical prediction for oil breakdown. The oil gap was charged to electric field values of from 1.4 to 3.1 MV/cm with effective charge times of from 1.3 to 20 ns. Its output rise time was less than or equal to 400 ps. This result is not inconsistent with the empirical prediction for resistive phase duration in an oil spark. Measurement of times shorter than this were limited by the bandwidth of the available equipment.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5626531
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-86-0512C; CONF-860674-7; ON: DE86012279
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Laser triggered spark gap using fiber optic transmission
KrF laser-triggered SF/sub 6/ spark gap for low jitter timing