A high-voltage subnanosecond sharpener based on a combination of 'open' and capillary discharges

The switching features of a new gas-discharge sharpener consisting of a series connection of open and capillary discharges in one device have been studied. The subnanosecond times of its transition into high conductivity mode have been obtained in helium, Ne, and Ar in a wide range of conditions at a voltage pulse compression degree of  ∼10³. The average power of  ∼10 kW has been achieved in the pulse burst mode at a voltage of 20 kV and a pulse repetition frequency of 44 kHz. The conditions under which the switching time can be 100 ps have been determined. (paper)