Behavior of parallel spark gaps in self breakdown mode

A spark gap is an important component in a pulsed power system due to its fast switching capability. However, the rate of plasma de-ionization and subsequent cooling of the de-ionized plasma between switching pulses restrict the recovery time of the spark gap, thereby reducing its pulse repetition rate. In addition, the breakdown voltage for the spark gap switching in a self-breakdown mode is inversely proportional to the repetition rate under continuous operation. The author earlier used microplasma assisted single spark gap at the high repetition rate. This paper will present an extended work by operating two parallel spark gaps in the self breakdown mode to increase the repetition rate up to 1 MHz. The operating parameters of the spark gap are optimized for the repetition rate and the self-breakdown voltage capability.