Current-level triggered plasma-opening switch

Patent · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:866879

Mendel, Clifford W ^[1]

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1. Albuquerque, NM

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.

• Research Organization: AT&T
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: United States Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4812715
• OSTI ID: 866879
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

current-level
triggered
plasma-opening
switch
power
electrical
pulses
slow
magnetic
field
confine
plasma
gap
electrodes
conducts
electric
pulse
closed
generated
repels
negative
electrode
push
plurality
radial
vanes
enhance
negative electrode
magnetic field
electrical pulses
field generated
electrical pulse
triggered plasma
power electrical
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