Operation of a Long Conduction Time Electron-Beam Controlled Switch
Abstract
The use of an electron beam to control the conductivity of a high pressure diffuse gas discharge has potential application as a high power repetitive opening and closing switch. For some opening switch applications, the electron-beam controlled switch (EBCS) must conduct with small losses for the time it takes to energize an inductor, usually >~ 1 microsecond. In this paper we report on the construction of a beam generator capable of 300 kV, 1 kA (average) electron beam from a cold cathode for pulse lengths that can be varied from 0.5 - 5 microsecond. This generator is used to provide the electron beam for driving an electron beam controlled switch in the ~ 1 microsecond conduction time regime. Initial results obtained with the switch system will be discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA637506
Entities
People
- I. M. Vitkovitsky
- J. Burton
- Richard F. Fernsler
- Robert J. Commisso
- V. E. Scherrer
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory