Repetitive Pulsed High-Voltage Generator Using Semiconductor Opening Switch for Atmospheric Discharge

Atmospheric pulsed gas discharge requires very short duration high-voltage pulse delivered to the electrodes. Moreover, atmospheric gas discharge of very short pulse is usually a high impedance load. Pulsed power technology based on inductive energy storage (IES) is suitable for this application. In this paper, we present a repetitive pulsed high-voltage generator with IES. It uses semiconductor opening switch, combined with magnetic switches and insulated-gate bipolar transistors. Experimental tests were carried out with 30-cm-long plate-to-knife discharge load. An output voltage of ~ 50 kV with a pulse duration of ~10 ns was obtained for a gap distance of 1 cm in air. The generator has been operated at a repetition rate up to 250 Hz. Uniform discharge plasma has been identified.