Research on the Time-Delay Characteristics of the Laser-Triggered Vacuum Switch

Abstract

The basic structure and work mechanism of laser-triggered vacuum switch (LTVS) are introduced briefly in this paper, and the processes of primary plasma production and expansion are analyzed as well. A series of experiments has been carried out with different gap voltages, laser wavelengths, laser energies, polarity configuration modes, switch structures, focal lengths, and laser waveforms. The switch structure is modified to improve the heavy-current capability of the switch, and the gap distance is increased to improve the voltage capacity. The special design of the trigger structure can reduce the dependence on the laser energy of the switch and the time delay. A new laser waveform of LTVS multiple wave crests could further decrease the laser energy, and it is the research basis of laser trigger miniaturization and its application in the LTVS.Index Terms-Laser-triggered vacuum switch (LTVS), multiple wave crests, primary plasma, time delay.

Modelling the initial plasma dynamics in a laser triggered vacuum switch

“…Ti and KCl were chosen as the target material because this kind of mixed target can generate initial plasmas and let the LTVS breakdown with a low laser energy, due to the low vaporization temperature of KCl and high laser absorptivity of Ti. [13][14][15][16][17][18] The simulation is performed in an axisymmetric geometry (x,r), where x-axis is perpendicular to the target surface and r-axis is parallel to the target surface. The diagram of the simulation is shown in Fig.…”

Evaluation of High Energy Density Plasma in Counter‐Facing Plasma Focus Device Driven by Laser‐Triggered Pulse Power System

“…With regards to laser systems, research and application has been carried out on gap switches and similar equipment . In addition, there has been research and development of high current capacity switches utilizing vacuum discharge . If we apply laser triggering to our plasma focus system, we should be able to stably generate high energy density plasma at highly precise cycles.…”