Plasma interactions in a plasma erosion opening switch

Abstract

Plasma Erosion Opening Switches (PEOS) are important elements in pulsed power equipment. The conduction and opening properties of these switches are highly dependent on the near cathode electric and magnetic fields, and plasma surface interactions. The cathode interaction is highly nonuniform, and micron sized cathode spots form within nanoseconds. The mechanism for the formation of these spots and their contribution to the conduction and opening phases of the switch is not yet well understood. The existing model of explosive electron emission does not adequately explain the performance of the switch during operation. The proposed new model for the near cathode effects accounts for time delays in the onset of conduction in the switch which have been seen experimentally. This is the first experiment in a series to verify this model, and to model a possible mechanism for cessation of conduction.