Simple high-performance exploding wire opening switch

High-efficiency simple, compact and robust opening switches capable of generating hundreds of kV are key elements in the development of autonomous explosivelydriven pulsed power sources. The paper presents results of the first phase of development of such an opening switch, based on exploding wire technology. By implementing a matched inductor in the circuit and optimising the wire parameters, a very compact and robust device is capable of generating reproducibly 240 kV. Full details of the system are given together with experimental data and theoretical predictions.