High-repetition-rate hydrogen spark gap

A high-power spark-gap switch capable of 100- mu s recovery times can be constructed without gas flow by using high-pressure hydrogen gas and by triggering the main gap in a highly undervolted state. These techniques have been demonstrated to work at voltages up to 120 kV, peak currents of up to 170 kA, and energy transfers of up to 12.5 kJ. Tests underway to test the concepts at 600 kV and for multiple-pulse bursts are discussed.<
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