Background With the development of miniaturization technology for high-power repetition-rate pulse power sources, the spark-gap gas switch, as a key component, has a direct impact on the characteristic parameters of the pulse power source, such as repetition rate, time delay jitter, and service life et al. Scholars both domestically and internationally have conducted extensive research on the characteristics of spark-gap gas switches.

Purpose In response to the application requirements of gas switches in repetition-rate fast-front pulse power sources, this paper briefly describes the breakdown mechanism and influencing factors of spark-gap gas switches, and summarizes the research conducted by our research group in recent years on small gas-insulated enclosed spark gap switches.

Methods The experimental results summarized in this paper are all obtained through experimental methods, specifically by constructing a gas switch performance testing platform to conduct experimental tests on different switch types and parameters.

Results For a small three-electrode field distortion spark-gap switch developed by our research group, experimental results such as self-breakdown voltage, voltage operating range, time delay and jitter, repetition rate, electrode erosion, and lifespan are presented. Under the given conditions of filling gas type and pressure, this three-electrode spark-gap switch has an optimal operating repetition rate that minimizes the breakdown delay jitter. When the repetition rate is between 20Hz and 30Hz, the time delay jitter is minimal, less than 2 ns. Using PEEK insulation material instead of PMMA material can effectively improve the mechanical strength of the switch and adapt to lower temperature environments. Designing the trigger electrode disk as a wedge shape can effectively reduce the trigger voltage. Additionally, our research group has also explored the channel resistance characteristics of two-electrode spark gap switches based on the Joule heating accumulation effect. Preliminary experiments indicate that the average resistance of the spark channel calculated through Joule heating effect is approximately 0.12 Ω.

Conclusions This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research conducted by our research team on gas-insulated enclosed spark gap switches, aiming to serve as a reference for the research and application of repetition-rate spark-gap gas switches.