Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences logo Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences logo Reliable Field Distortion Spark Gap for Plasma Focus

Abstract

A simple, low cost, easily maintained, and reliable field distortion spark gap has been developed to operate at a voltage up to 30 kV. The header construction necessary to attach the spark gap switch to a single 12.5 μF, 40 kV (10 kJ) capacitor is described. The main features of the spark gap are its wide range of voltage operation, high current capacity, low inductance and long lifetime. The performance of spark gap has been tested in a plasma focus and results are presented in this report.