Design for megavolt inverse-pinch plasma switch

To meet the requirements for the output switch of an ultra-high-power (<30 GW) pulser, an upgrading design for an inverse-pinch plasma switch (INPIS) is considered. The hold-off voltage of 1 MV is met by adopting multistage rim-fire electrodes and using SF/sub 6/ as the dielectric gas of the switch. The inductance and capacitance of the switch, which are restricted by the short rise-time (4 shots. The choice of the insulator and electrode materials is also discussed. Fabrication of the switch can be accomplished by well-established shop practices, and no special methods are required for its construction.