Plasma opening switch with isolation by extrinsic magnetic field

Abstract

The paper demonstrates recent experiments at RS-20 (1 MV, 350 kA, 2 µs) pulse power generator with the plasma opening switch (POS) operating in the extrinsic magnetic field. The influence of the current density and the transmitted charge on the switching voltage at POS is discussed. POS voltage as a function of the Marx voltage under optimal current density and the transmitted charge is examined and extrapolated for greater values. A scheme of voltage composition is for two POS generators is discussed.