Investigation on Novel Trigger Systems for Pseudospark Switches

The papers presents two novel trigger methods for pseudospark switches (PSS). These are low pressure plasma switches used for Pulsed-Power applications. A characteristic feature of the pseudospark switches is their closed hollow-cathode geometry. Inside the hollow cathode backspace into which different trigger units are integrated. One requirement for PSS is reliable triggering over a wide voltage range. Up to now the used trigger systems had either the disadvantage of limited life-time or showed a strong dependence on the gas pressure. By triggering a plasma is developed inside the hollow cathode. The pseudospark is ignited by sufficiently dense electron flux released by this plasma through the cathode bore hole into the main gap. This paper reports on two novel methods used to trigger the pseudospark switches. One trigger method is based on a modified surface flashover developed on a semiconductor surface, the other on electron emission by corona discharge from a high dielectric materials with ε > 2000 (e.g. PLZT perovskite ceramics). (author)