Development of Liquid Metal Field-Emission Sources for Use in Fast Repetitive Opening Switches.
Abstract
Liquid metal field-emission sources appear to have desirable characteristics as the active element of a high-current repetitive switch. The results we obtained indicate that many of the operational parameters of these devices can be controlled, although the mechanisms are not yet understood. In particular, the enhanced mode of operation found for the Gallium/Indium/Argon system gives very large, narrow current pulses by an unknown mechanism. The use of various diagnostics, including the dispersed optical emission, may provide some insight into these mechanisms. Additional research is required to determine the optimum configuration for a practical switch. The choice of metals, the diode geometry, and the triggering mechanism will need to be addressed before the liquid metal field-emission device can be incorporated into an active switch.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA192230
Entities
People
- Michael J. Coggiola
Organizations
- SRI International