Laser triggering of a 500-kV gas-filled switch: A parametric study
We have investigated neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser triggering of a 500-kV, SF/sub 6/-insulated gas switch for a range of laser parameters. Laser wavelengths of 266 nm and 1064 nm with nominal pulse lengths of 2- and 4-nsec full width at half maximum (FWHM) were used to trigger the switch. The switch was triggered by focusing the laser to form a breakdown arc in the gas between the electrodes. Subnanosecond jitter in the operation of the switch was obtained for 266-nm laser pulse energies as low as 5 mJ. Results obtained with the Nd:YAG laser are compared to earlier data in which the switch was triggered with a krypton-fluoride laser operating at 248 nm with a pulse length of 20-nsec FWHM. Our experimental results show that ultraviolet laser triggering gives results which are a dramatic improvement over infrared laser triggering in terms of lower jitter and smaller change in delay time with variations in applied voltage. We also see indications that the optimum laser pulse length is equal to or greater than the closure time of the switch.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6874967
- Journal Information:
- J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 56:5; ISSN JAPIA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
420800* -- Engineering-- Electronic Circuits & Devices-- (-1989)
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ENERGY RANGE
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
GAS LASERS
GASES
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
INFRARED RADIATION
KEV RANGE
KEV RANGE 100-1000
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
NEODYMIUM LASERS
OPERATION
OPTIMIZATION
PULSE CIRCUITS
RADIATIONS
SOLID STATE LASERS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR FLUORIDES
SWITCHES
TRIGGER CIRCUITS
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION