Experimental study on performance parameters of plasma source for the plasma opening switch on QiangguangⅠgenerator

Statistic result of experiment data of Qiangguang Ⅰ plasma opening switch (POS) and diode shows that the POS-diode system is not stable. The system instability is induced by the dispersing ejection parameter of the POS plasma source. Plasma source ejection parameter measurement shows that the stability of plasma ejection density as the POS is opening is fine. Range of it is less than 10% but range of the cumulated plasma density in switch zone is more than 100%. POS performance has been obviously influenced by the cumulated plasma density in switch interval and the cathode matter ejection. Calculated result shows that range of the cumulated plasma density change the POS breaking current by more than 200 kA, which is close to the statistic result. Effect of cathode material on the opening performance is notable. Because of it, diode dose might fall 80% with the same breaking current according to MCNP calculation and the experiment result.