Performance of a plasma opening switch in positive polarity on Gamble I using flashboard plasma sources
Journal Article
·
· Journal of Applied Physics; (United States)
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185 (United States)
The successful development of the Plasma Opening Switch (POS) for inductive storage applications has been largely confined to negative polarity operation. Some models of POS behavior suggest that this is because in a positive polarity coaxial configuration, the weaker magnetic field at the cathode position retards the switch opening process. This article describes experiments in which both conductor radii in the POS region were significantly reduced. Anode- and cathode-side current monitors indicate that voltages greater than open-circuit are generated at the POS position, but there is a significant amount of electron flow out of the POS, depending upon load impedance. Flow impedance analysis indicates that a relatively small gap appears in the POS plasma after switch opening. Switch performance is also compared between flashboard and carbon gun plasma sources, with the latter operated both in positive and negative polarity.
- OSTI ID:
- 6400608
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Physics; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics; (United States) Vol. 77:6; ISSN JAPIAU; ISSN 0021-8979
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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