Nano-ZnO cold cathodes for controlling plasma switches

Electron beam generated by a cold cathode coated with ZnO nanoneedles and other forms of nanomaterials was used to turn on a pseudospark plasma switch for pulsed power applications. A pseudospark switch filled with gases between 10 and 60 mtorr is designed and tested. Electron field emission current generated by the ZnO oxide coated cold cathode was sufficient to turn on a high voltage plasma switch.