LAUSR

We have done research to develop a trigger device for a high performance triggered vacuum switch (TVS) with the trigger device of a gas switch (GS). The trigger device is a critical component deciding the characteristics of initial plasma ignition in the TVS and the GS. Furthermore, the lifetime of the TVS is dominantly determined by the trigger device. In principle, the initial plasma generation of the TVS and the GS is explained by surface flashover. However, the structure of the GS trigger electrode is simpler than that of the TVS trigger device. We interested in the simple disctype shape of the high dielectric ceramic used in the GS trigger device. In general, high dielectric ceramics are hard materials, and they can easily be cracked during machining. The simple disc-type shape is a remarkable advantage in the fabrication of a trigger device without cracks. However, although the GS trigger device has the structural merit, it could not be used in the TVS because the GS is operated at higher pressure than the TVS. In this research, we fabricated the GS trigger device and investigated the characteristics of the igniting plasma at a pressure of 10 −6 mbar. In the followon research, this trigger device will be inserted into a TVS, and its operation will be investigated. This results of this research should contribute to the understanding of surface flashover in vacuum and lead to improved TVSs and GSs.