Experimental investigation on multi-channel discharge formation in self-breakdown switch for 10 MA pulsed power device

Ji Ce; Li Feng; Ren Ji; Jiang Jihao; Li Yong; Cai Potao; Zhang Haoyu

doi:10.11884/HPLPB202638.250351

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Ji Ce, Li Feng, Ren Ji, et al. Experimental investigation on multi-channel discharge formation in self-breakdown switch for 10 MA pulsed power device[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250351

Citation:

Ji Ce, Li Feng, Ren Ji, et al. Experimental investigation on multi-channel discharge formation in self-breakdown switch for 10 MA pulsed power device[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250351

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Experimental investigation on multi-channel discharge formation in self-breakdown switch for 10 MA pulsed power device

doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250351

Institute of Fluid Physics, CAEP, Mianyang 621999, China

Received Date: 2025-10-18
Accepted Date: 2025-12-15
Rev Recd Date: 2025-12-19

Available Online: 2026-01-05

Abstract

Abstract

Background
Water-dielectric self-breakdown switches are critical components in pulsed power devices such as the 10 MA facility. The plate-sphere electrode structure is specifically designed to achieve simultaneous multi-channel discharge, which is essential for minimizing switch inductance and reducing timing jitter.
Purpose
This study investigates the factors affecting multi-channel formation in a water-dielectric, three-electrode plate-sphere self-breakdown switch operating at 3 MV, with the aim of validating the theoretical formation criterion.
Methods
Theoretical analysis was conducted based on the specific parameters of the switch structure, focusing on key temporal characteristics influencing discharge behavior. Experimental validation was performed at the nominal breakdown voltage of 3 MV, utilizing diagnostic techniques to observe the development of discharge arcs across all electrode pairs.
Results
The calculated characteristic value for multi-channel formation was determined to be 8.6 ns, exceeding twice the measured switch jitter time of 3 ns, thereby satisfying the theoretical criterion. Observations confirmed that discharge arcs initiated nearly synchronously at the three sphere electrodes and propagated toward the plate electrodes, with complete multi-channel formation achieved within approximately 30 ns.
Conclusions
The study validates the criterion for multi-channel discharge in the plate-sphere switch structure. The design effectively enables simultaneous formation of multiple discharge channels within tens of nanoseconds, meeting essential requirements for high-performance pulsed power devices and contributing to improved operational stability.
- pulsed power device,
- self-breakdown switch,
- structure of plate-sphere,
- multi-channel formation,
- discharge arc

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References(16)

References

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