Research on improving the repetition-rate stability of triggered gas gap switch under ms charging conditions

Zhang Haoran; Qiu Xudong; Zhang Motao; Shao Shuai; Zhang Yu; Li Rui

doi:10.11884/HPLPB202638.250204

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Zhang Haoran, Qiu Xudong, Zhang Motao, et al. Research on improving the repetition-rate stability of triggered gas gap switch under ms charging conditions[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250204

Citation:

Zhang Haoran, Qiu Xudong, Zhang Motao, et al. Research on improving the repetition-rate stability of triggered gas gap switch under ms charging conditions[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250204

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Research on improving the repetition-rate stability of triggered gas gap switch under ms charging conditions

doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250204

Zhang Haoran^{1, 2
,},
Qiu Xudong^{1, 2},
Zhang Motao^{1, 2},
Shao Shuai^{1, 2},
Zhang Yu^{1, 2},
Li Rui^{1, 2
,
,}

1.
Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi’an 710024, China
2.
Key Laboratory of Advanced Science and Technology on High Power Microwave, Xi’an 710024, China

Received Date: 2025-07-09
Accepted Date: 2025-08-28
Rev Recd Date: 2025-08-05

Available Online: 2025-11-21

Abstract

Abstract

Background
The PFN-Marx pulse driver with millisecond charging holds significant potential for achieving lightweight and miniaturized systems. To ensure its long-life, stable, and reliable operation, the development of a triggered gas gap switch represents a key technological challenge.
Purpose
This study aims to address issues related to the large dispersion in operating voltage and rapid erosion of the trigger electrode under millisecond charging conditions.
Methods
Based on the operating mechanism of the corona-stabilized switch, a corona-based gas-triggered switch was developed. Investigations were conducted on its structural design, electrostatic field simulation, trigger source development, operational voltage range, time delay, and jitter characteristics. These efforts resolved the problem of frequent self-breakdown or trigger failure under millisecond charging.
Results
Experimental results demonstrate that, using SF₆ as the working gas at a pressure of 0.6 MPa, the maximum operating voltage of the triggered switch reaches 90 kV. Under conditions of 84 kV operating voltage, 20 Hz repetition frequency, 500 pulses per burst, and without gas replacement, the switch was tested continuously for 100,000 pulses. Only one self-breakdown incident occurred during this period, resulting in a self-breakdown rate of less than 0.01‰.
Conclusions
The triggered switch developed in this study meets the design requirements and effectively resolves the instability issues under millisecond charging conditions, thereby providing a foundation for future engineering applications.
- Triggered switch,
- PFN-Marx,
- ms Charging,
- Corona-stabilized switch,
- Pulse power

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References(19)

References

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