Ｉnvestigation on voltage collapse characteristics of the pseudospark switch

The pseudospark switch is a new type of closing switch used in pulsed power technology. In this paper, a prototype pseudospark switch is designed. Detailed experiments of voltage characteristics in air have been carried out with the discharge curve being measured. The critical pressure（29Pa）distinguishing pseudospark discharge from glow discharge is determined. Voltage collapse time is measured, transit stage and stable stage of voltage collapse are defined in the first time, experiment data showed, in the same pressure, the transit time is determined by switch voltage, and the stable time is determined by the parameters of the discharge circuit.