Pulsed Breakdown Characteristics of Helium in Partial Vacuum in KHZ Range

Abstract

This paper presents work on breakdown studies conducted in helium at partial vacuum conditions for a point-to-point electrode setup. A high frequency pulsed voltage signal is applied across the electrodes and the voltage-current characteristics are observed. The applied signal consists of a train of square pulses at frequencies of 50 kHz and 150 kHz with duty cycle varying from 10% to 50%. The rise/fall times of the pulses are less than 25 ns. These studies are conducted to understand and compare the role of pulse duration and the pulse repetition rate in electrical breakdown initiation at low pressure conditions. Data of voltage and current waveforms as a function of time, along with the light emission data collected by a PMT (Photo Multiplier Tube) are collected and breakdown voltage versus pressure, frequency and duty cycle are presented respectively.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA610058

Entities

People

  • D. L. Schweickart
  • H. Kirkici
  • K. Koppisetty

Organizations

  • Auburn University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Electric Fields
  • Electrical Equipment
  • Electrodes
  • Electronic Equipment
  • Frequency
  • Generators
  • Geometry
  • High Voltage
  • Power Supplies
  • Pulse Generators
  • Pulsed Power
  • Repetition Rate
  • Signal Generators
  • Vehicles
  • Waveforms

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.