Accession Number:

ADA193147

Title:

The Influence of Ionization within a Plasma Opening Switch.

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Evans, Wenzel G., Jr

Report Date:

1987-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

49.0

Abstract:

An alternate description of the Plasma Opening Switch POS is presented. In addition, a preliminary study was conducted into the ionization of desorbed carbon particles from the cathode surface in the switch region. The formation of a locally dense plasma layer surrounding the cathode is shown to influence the electric field and the Debye screening distance. This effect influences the emission of electrons from the cathode as well as providing a mechanism for opening the switch. Keywords Plasma opening switch, Plasma sheath model.

Descriptors:

• *PLASMAS(PHYSICS)
• *VACUUM SWITCHES
• CARBON
• CATHODES
• DENSE GASES
• DENSITY
• ELECTRIC FIELDS
• ELECTRONS
• EMISSION
• IONIZATION
• LAYERS
• MODELS
• OPENING(PROCESS)
• PARTICLES
• PLASMA SHEATHS
• RANGE(DISTANCE)
• REGIONS
• SURFACES
• SWITCHES
• THESES

Subject Categories:

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE