Development of a triple-path, low-inductance, low-voltage spark gap switch.

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Fusion Energy Engineering
• Pulsed Power Technology

Background:

• Next-generation coaxial plasma guns are essential for plasma jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion.
• Developing reliable, high-performance switching technology is critical for these systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a triple-path, low-inductance, high-current spark gap switch.
• To validate the switch's performance for use in advanced fusion applications.

Main Methods:

• Designed a triple-path, field-distortion spark gap switch with isolated electrical paths.
• Measured Paschen's breakdown curve across varying gas pressures (0.1-2.5 BarG).
• Assessed delay time and jitter using a dedicated test stand and plasma gun experiments.

Main Results:

• The switch demonstrated low inductance and high current capability (0.25 MA).
• Paschen's curve measurements validated switch performance.
• Experiments showed high stability and reproducibility with a total current jitter of 66 ns over 350 shots.

Conclusions:

• The triple-path spark gap switch is a viable technology for next-generation fusion devices.
• The switch's stability and low jitter meet the demanding requirements of plasma guns.
• This development advances pulsed power technology for fusion energy research.