High Voltage Switch Using Externally Ionized Plasmas.
Abstract
A physical model was developed and the performance parameters were studied for high-voltage high-current on/off switches which use the low energy secondary electrons in an electron beam (e-beam) sustained discharge as the conducting medium. The model equations are presented and described along with the underlying physical assumptions. Electron transport data and static breakdown voltages were calculated for N2, Ar, a N2:Ar = 1:9 mixture and CH4 by numerically solving the Boltzmann equation to find the energy distribution. Study of steady state performance for N2, Ar, N2:Ar = 1:9 and CH4 indicated that the N2:Ar = 1:9 and CH4 were both good candidate gases; hence transient switch performance was studied for these two gases. The performance of the e-beam plasma switches were mapped in a regime where the power delivered to the load is much greater than the e-beam power. Study of e-beam sources pointed to the thin-film field emission cathode as offering a means of controlling e-beam plasma switches with very high control power gain. A switch geometry was suggested using such an e-beam source. The comparison of different switch types with on/off capability indicated that the e-beam externally ionized plasma switches have the potential to be developed into devices that would be competitive or superior in size and capability with any other approach providing equivalent electrical performance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086761
Entities
People
- John W. Dzimianski
- Laurence E. Kline