Performance characteristics of a high-repetition rate, multichannel rail-gap switch

Abstract

A multichannel rail-gap switch, triggered by ultraviolet radiation sources and capable of high repetition rate, long-life operation is described. The device will switch 30-kV, 30-kA, 80-ns pulses at pulse rates up to 100 Hz. Gas consumption is low (1-SLPM air), and under optimum conditions, switch inductance and jitter are 14 nH and ±5 ns, respectively. Prefire statistics and erosion rates have been studied.