Technology of Fast Spark Gaps

Abstract

To protect electronic systems from the effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) form nuclear weapons and high-power microwave (HPM) weapons, it is desirable to have fast responding protection components. The gas-filled spark gap appears to be an attractive protection component, except that it can be slow to conduct under certain conditions. This report reviews the literature and presents ideas for construction of a spark gap that will conduct in less than one nanosecond. The key concept to making a fast-responding spark gap is to produce a large number of free electrons quickly. Seven different mechanisms for production of free electrons are reviewed, and several that are relevant to miniature spark gaps for protective applications are discussed in detail. These mechanisms include: inclusion of radioactive materials, photoelectric effect, secondary electrode emission from the anode, and field emission from the cathode. Electromagnetic pulse; Spark gaps; Terminal protection devices.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA214199

Entities

People

  • Ronald B. Standler

Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Biomedical
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Beta Particles
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Dielectric Permittivity
  • Dielectrics
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electron Emission
  • Electronic Circuits
  • Electrons
  • Emitters
  • Field Emission
  • Free Electrons
  • Gamma Rays
  • Ionization
  • Varistors

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics