Characterization of runtime and jitter on a laser triggered spark gap switch

Abstract

A 1 MV, SF6 filled, laser triggered gas switch has been installed in the Tiger pulsed power lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia to study the factors affecting runtime and jitter. The Tiger pulsed power lab consists of a 2.8 MV, 450 kJ Marx bank that feeds into a 7 nF intermediate store capacitor before discharging through the gas switch. The test was operated from about 500 kV up to 1.25 MV, at switch pressures from 10 to 50 psig SF6. The gas switch is triggered by a 30 mJ New Wave Tempest 10 Nd:YAG laser to initiate breakdown in the switch. The University of Missouri has examined laser energy and percentage of self break to determine their relation to runtime and jitter. Optical spectroscopy has also been used to examine the laser arc. The end goal of research is to understand the factors contributing to increased jitter and runtime and thereby provide paths to improved switch performance.