Study on graphite-electrode gas switch applied for pulsed power supply with 700 kA peak current

According to the latest requirements of the advanced laser system, a 700 kA gas switch with graphite electrodes for pulsed power supply module has been developed. The paper describes the design, construction and testing of the high-current gas switch. Through the analysis of the electrodes erosion of different materials, high-density graphite is found to be suitable for electrodes of the gas switch with high current and charge transfer. A two-electrode gas switch with FRP rods and an updated gas switch using hoop type fastening method have been developed, the magnetic switch is used in the trigger circuit. Experimental results show that both the switches can conduct the current of over 700 kA and the charge transfer of more than 500 coulomb per shot.