Measurement and Mechanisms of Photoenhanced Electron Attachment: Implications for an Optically-Controlled Diffuse Discharge Opening Switch
Abstract
Capacitive energy storage has commonly been used in technically-established pulsed power generators. However, the increasing demand for high power pulsed equipment and the fact that inductive energy storage has larger energy storage density, triggered investigations of the possibility of using inductive energy storage in pulsed power applications. The critical component in an inductive energy storage system is a fast, repetitive opening switch for which an optically-controlled diffuse discharge opening switch appears to be a promising possibility. Diffuse discharges are advantageous for switching purposes because of their low inductance, small electrode erosion rates and moderate energy density which allows control by means of e-beams and/or laser beams with reasonable power. However, to obtain fast opening after the external electron source is turned off, electrons in the switch gap must be removed by attachment since diffusion and recombination processes are too slow. To avoid electron losses in the conducting state, electronegative gases can be used which strongly attach electrons only upon optical excitation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA639208
Entities
People
- L. A. Pinnaduwage
- L. G. Christophorou
- Susan R. Hunter
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory