Basic Studies of Gases for Fast Switches
Abstract
This final report includes an outline of the operation of diffuse discharge switches in pulsed power energy storage circuits, the methods by which the operation of these switches may be optimized, and the measurements we have performed on several gas mixtures which exhibit these optimized characteristics. The goal of the program has been to identify these optimization procedures, and using basic data on electron atom and electron molecule collision processes, to find gas mixtures in which the transport properties of the electrons in the gas discharges are 'tailored' to match these optimization requirements. Using these criteria, we have found several gas mixtures which have very desirable characteristics for use in these switches. The potential of these gas mixtures has been demonstrated in recent switching experiments which have shown considerable operational improvements when these gases were used.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198641
Entities
People
- L. G. Christophorou
- Susan R. Hunter
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory