MV pulsed switch plays a key role as the transfer switch in large electromagnetic pulse simulators. To broaden the range of self-triggering time, a novel spark-discharge pre-ionization switch, in which the main gap electric field is superposed at the trigger gap to let the electrons in its spark channel also become initial electrons, is proposed and tested. The design idea is: as electrons in the spark channel of the trigger gap always exist after its breakdown, the injection time of pre-ionization should have a more negligible effect on reducing the switch jitter. The experiment results under pulses with a rise time of ∼100 ns support the above assumptions. When the operating voltage is from ∼300 to ∼800 kV and the self-triggering time is ∼45% to ∼75% of the peak time, the breakdown time delay jitter is less than 2 ns, and the breakdown voltage jitter is smaller than 1.25%. Under specific self-triggering time, the breakdown time delay jitter is less than 1.5 ns, and the breakdown voltage jitter is smaller than 0.8%.

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This work investigates the pulsed breakdown processes and mechanisms of self-triggered pre-ionized switches with a four-electrode structure in nitrogen through ICCD (Intensified Charge Coupled Device) photographs. The diameter of the trigger plane hole mainly determines the switch’s electric field distribution. Two configurations with minimum and maximum trigger plane holes are adopted for comparison. In the switch with a minimum trigger plane hole, the maximum electric field distributes at the surfaces of the main electrodes. Though charged particles in the triggering spark channel cannot drift out, homogeneous discharges can be stimulated from both the cathode and anode surfaces through UV (ultraviolet) illumination. Two sub-gaps are likely to break down simultaneously. In the switch with a maximum trigger plane hole, the maximum electric field locates near the trigger electrodes. Discharges in both sub-gaps initiate from the trigger electrodes in the form of a positive or negative streamer. Due to lower breakdown voltage and electric field threshold for discharge initiation, the cathode side sub-gap breaks down first. The analysis of two extreme examples can be referenced in the future design and improvement of self-triggered four-electrode switches with different structures of trigger electrodes.

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