High voltage nanosecond pulse generator based on pseudospark switch and diode opening switch.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Low-temperature plasma is vital for industrial applications, requiring high electron energy, low temperature, and uniformity.
• Nanosecond pulse-driven plasma offers superior advantages over traditional direct current and alternating current plasma methods.
• Existing pulse generators often face limitations in achieving desired parameters for industrial needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a simple and effective topology for a nanosecond pulse generator.
• To develop a pulse generator capable of producing high-voltage, fast-rise-time pulses for plasma generation.
• To demonstrate the generator's suitability for industrial low-temperature plasma applications.

Main Methods:

• A pulse generator topology was designed utilizing a pseudospark switch and a diode opening switch.
• The pulse generator was developed and tested on a 260 Ω resistive load.
• Needle-plate discharge plasma was successfully generated in ambient air using the developed pulse generator.

Main Results:

• The developed pulse generator achieved an output amplitude of 106 kV.
• The generator produced pulses with a 15.5 ns rise time and a 46 ns pulse width.
• A maximum repetition rate of 1 kHz was achieved, demonstrating excellent stability, compactness, and a long lifetime.

Conclusions:

• The proposed pseudospark switch and diode opening switch topology is effective for generating high-voltage nanosecond pulses.
• The developed pulse generator meets the demanding requirements for industrial low-temperature plasma applications.
• This technology holds potential for widespread industrial use in applications requiring tens to hundreds of kilovolts.