Small Magnetic Plasma Erosion Opening Switch (SPEOS)

An adjustable opening switch is in need for HPM systems, where inductive energy storage is often used. We conceived a small plasma opening switch which has 5 electrodes. Two electrodes provide a DC-biased plasma column inside a glass tube, and another two electrodes are immersed between them inside the plasma ready for induction current. After the induction current is turned on, a second smaller induction current triggers an external electromagnet after certain time delay, to apply a magnetic field perpendicular to the plasma axis, diverting the electrons in the conduction current 90 degree towards the fifth electrode, thus causing the charge unbalance in the conduction plasma and breaking off the main current. The operation principle is similar to PEOS with the only difference that magnetic field is provided externally. We discuss the design concepts and issues in this paper.