Abstract
The total number of variants of gaseous opening and closing switches is far too large to be dealt with adequately in a short review paper such as this. Three recent books address much on this subject (Guenther et al., 1987; Vitkovitsky, 1987; Schaefer, 1990). Switch types selected for emphasis herein are: diffuse discharge opening switches, plasma (erosion) opening switches, gas filled spark gaps, ignitrons, and back-lighted thyratrons (pseudosparks). The choice is not only an indication of the authors’ background and experience but reflects certain noteworthy recent developments in the high power switching field. The detailed theory of operation of each switch is not included, due to obvious space limitations. Instead we have provided the essential references in this regard and have rather emphasized the salient recent developments and improvements for each of these switches.
Supported, in part, by the Texas Tech University Center for Energy Research.
Our friend and collaborator Gerhard Schaefer of the Weber Research Institute, Polytechnic University of New York, passed away on September 17, 1989, at the age of 49. He was an active researcher in the gaseous dielectrics area particularly as it applied to laser and pulsed power technologies. Gerhard was known for his commitment and contributions to science as well as for his personality and sincerity. He will be both missed and remembered frequently. We dedicate this paper to him, based, in part, on his last major effort as editor of “Gas Closing Switches” in the series “Advances in Pulsed Power Technology ” (Plenum Press, New York, NY).
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Kristiansen, M., Guenther, A., Schaefer, G. (1991). High Power Gaseous Opening and Closing Switches. In: Christophorou, L.G., Sauers, I. (eds) Gaseous Dielectrics VI. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3706-9_40
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