Factors Affecting and Methods of Improving the Pulse Repetition Frequency of Plasma Closing Switches

An increasingly active area in pulsed power research is the development of switches which are capable of conducting pulses with high-voltage, high peak power at a high pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The operation conditions of the plasma closing switches have significant influences on its pulse repetition frequency (PRF). Study on the influential factors on the switching performance is crucial to understanding the working characteristics of the switch. It is also very important for design and optimization of the switch achieving better PRF performance. For the above mentioned purposes, the insulation recovery characteristics of the gas switch under repetition conditions are investigated. This paper reports on the work undertaken to determine the factors affecting PRF in the plasma closing switch. An adjustable double-pulse power supply, which is capable of generating two continuous voltage pulses with adjustable voltage amplitude, interval time and rising time, is used in investigations.