Optimization of fast three-electrode spark gaps isolated with a SF6 and he mixture

Abstract

This paper considered the possibility of reducing the dissipation of the trigger time of the three-electrode spark gaps with a separated triggered electrode. The work is of a theoretical, numerical and of experimental nature. The experiments were performed on a spark gap model under well-controlled laboratory conditions. It was determined that the results obtained with the model can be applied to the spark gap prototype. Unlike the previous research in this area, the computer-designed spark gap that was used can be triggered with one mechanism only. Also, as opposed to the previous study, a mixture of SF6 and He gases and the third electrode with a double ionization effect were used. The obtained results showed the optimal combination of the construction solution, insulation gas, triggered impulse, and the triggered electrode's shape, reduce the stochastic dissipation of a random variable far in the sub-microsecond field. This result is of great significance for the parallel triggering of current and voltage generators to obtain the best superposition signals.