Low Pressure Glow Discharge Switches For High Power Excimer Lasers

K. Frank; J. Christiansen; W. Hartmann; O. Almen; A. Goertler; C. Kozlik; A. Tinschmann

doi:10.1117/12.950134

26 April 1989 Low Pressure Glow Discharge Switches For High Power Excimer Lasers

K. Frank, J. Christiansen, W. Hartmann, O. Almen, A. Goertler, C. Kozlik, A. Tinschmann

Proceedings Volume 1023, Excimer Lasers and Applications; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.950134
Event: 1988 International Congress on Optical Science and Engineering, 1988, Hamburg, Germany

Abstract

Pseudo-spark switches are promising condidates to overcome the limitations of pulsed power networks, imposed by the commercially available thyratrons in use. The pseudo-spark switch uses a high power density, low pressure glow discharge, and is capable of withstanding up to 100 % current reversal. Metal-ceramic prototypes have switched up to 40 kV/30 kA at a rate of current rise of 8 x 1011 A/sec. At 32 kV/20 kA and a pulse duration of 90 nsec (FWHM), repetition rates of over 100 pps and a lifetime of over 5 x 106 discharges have been achieved in a discharge circuit with a short circuit load. Streak camera measurements confirm that the discharge in the switch remains a homogeneous glow. The switches seem to be scalable to higher power levels; in addition, paralleling of separate discharge channels in a common housing has been shown to be possible.

Citation Download Citation

K. Frank, J. Christiansen, W. Hartmann, O. Almen, A. Goertler, C. Kozlik, and A. Tinschmann "Low Pressure Glow Discharge Switches For High Power Excimer Lasers", Proc. SPIE 1023, Excimer Lasers and Applications, (26 April 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.950134

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