Characteristics Of Switching Plasma In An Inverse-pinch Switch

Characteristics of the plasma that switches on tens of giga volt-ampere in an inverse-pinch plasma switch (INPIStron) have been made. Through optical and spectroscopic diagnostics of the current carrying plasma, the current density, the motion of current paths, dominant ionic species have been determined in order to assess their effects on circuit parameters and material erosion. Also the optimum operational condition of the plasina-puff triggering method required for azimuthally uniform conduction in the INPIStron has been determined.