A simple ultraviolet radiation-triggered switch with an electric field distortion gap for long-lifetime electrodes

A simple high-voltage gaseous switch designed to minimize the erosion of the discharge electrodes is described. The switch is triggered by ultraviolet radiation produced by a corona pulsed discharge. A pin-shaped auxiliary electrode, centered within an orifice made on the discharge surface of a hollow anode and connected to this electrode in series with an inductor, is used to promote the contraction of the discharge channel allowing it to penetrate the orifice. The switch has been tested by discharging capacitors of 5 and 40 nF at voltages and peak currents up to 16 kV and 8 kA, respectively. Negligible erosion of the electrodes was obtained.