Spark-Gap Switching of a 384-kJ Low Inductance Capacitor Bank

Abstract

A three‐electrode spark gap which can handle high energy (96 kJ) has been designed and used with a 384‐kJ capacitor bank having an operating range from 30 to 60 kV. The gap jitter time has been reduced to less than 25 nsec. During θ‐pinch experiments involving 3000 discharges of the bank, there has been no significant deterioration of the gaps or variation of the electrical characteristics of the system.