Gas-phase pulsed power switches

A review of plasma science that is related to gas-phase pulsed power switching is presented. Switch plasmas include uniform glow-type plasmas and constricted arc-type plasmas, and the science involves understanding transport processes in hydrogen, helium, metal vapor, and other plasmas, and electrode processes including limitations related to cathode emission and sheaths. Gas-phase pulsed power switches include spark gaps, vacuum, metal vapor, and low-pressure glow-type switches. The review concludes that the understanding of microscopic processes and plasma electrode interactions is somewhat limited, and that to facilitate the development of efficient, reliable pulsed power devices, there is considerable need for a deeper understanding.<
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