Current-level triggered plasma-opening switch

Patent · Mon Jun 29 00:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6868748

Mendel, C W

An opening switch for very high power electrical pulses uses a slow magnetic field to confine a plasma across a gap between two electrodes. The plasma conducts the electric pulse across the gap while the switch is closed. A magnetic field generated by the pulse repels the slow magnetic field from the negative electrode to push the plasma from the electrode, opening the switch. A plurality of radial vanes may be used to enhance the slow magnetic field. 5 figs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: SNL; EDB-88-178861
• Patent Number(s): PATENTS-US-A6067027
• OSTI ID: 6868748
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
PLASMA SWITCHES
DESIGN
ELECTRODES
INVENTIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SWITCHES
420200* - Engineering- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques