Optimization of the source function in an electron-beam sustained discharge containing attaching gases

In pulsed power work, large amounts of stored energy are frequently required. This energy may be stored more efficiently with respect to volume and weight with inductive storage rather than capacitive storage. In order to effectively transfer inductively stored energy to a load, a fast opening switch is necessary. Of the many opening switch methods under study, the externally sustained diffuse discharge switch has several advantages. In electron-beam sustained discharges, electrons are generated by the high energy beam electrons and depleted through recombination and attachment. The use of attachers is necessary to achieve fast opening times.

This project considers the two processes, electron generation and depletion, which affect the conductivity of gas discharge switches. The optimization of electron generation is experimentally investigated through the introduction of a low ionization (Penning) additive to the switching gas mixture. The process of electron depletion is investigated theoretically with Monte Carlo Code calculations. These calculations concentrate on the thermalization process of the Initial fast electrons and the interaction of the thermalizing electrons with the attachers used in the gas discharge. The presented results provide information that is required to select suitable gas mixtures to optimize the efficiency of diffuse discharge switches.