Theory and application of triggered vacuum switches

The triggered vacuum switch (TVS), as a member of the vacuum switch family, has found fast growing applications in recent years. The TVS has many forms: conducting type, turn on and off type and movable electrode TVS, based on different applications. One can define TVS' operation in 3 stages: triggering stage, main electrodes turn on to arcing stage, and post-arc to stead off stage. There are different triggering states. If the initial plasma is produced just on the main cathode, it is called a positive triggering state. And if the trigger is placed on the main anode, it is called a negative triggering state. Formation mechanisms and development of initial plasma are different for both trigger states. Are patterns in TVS will dominate their operations. Most of TVS' are used in the field of pulse power technology, like as a source controller in heavy laser and high power microwave, and in electromagnetic launcher (EML). In this kind of application, the energy storage and pulse formation system need high power closing switches, some times need repeat closing and opening. In some cases, TVS is the best substitution of power electronics or semiconductor elements for its high conduct power and high voltage withstanding.