An experimental investigation of repetitive nanosecond-pulse breakdown in air

Abstract

A compact, repetitive pulsed power system has many applications, but some basic aspects of the breakdown characteristics need further investigation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the breakdown characteristics of dry air with repetitive nanosecond pulses. The variables affecting the discharge conditions, including the applied pulse voltage, pulse repetition frequency, gap distance and gas pressure, are investigated. The relationship between the breakdown time lag, the repetitive stressing time, and the number of applied pulses to breakdown with pulse repetition rate, E-field strength and pressure are obtained, and the breakdown characteristics and mechanism are also discussed. It is suggested that activated neutral species and residual ions should be taken into account, and repetitive nanosecond-pulse breakdown is characterized by the accumulation effect.