Plasma closing switches for pulsed power applications: plasma multi-channelling in environmentally friendly gases

Plasma closing switching is a critical part of High voltage pulsed power systems. Such systems are used in multiple practical applications including the generation of high power impulses for acceleration of particle beams, for the development of powerful UHF signals, for hydrogen power generation and for a range of environmental technological processes.

In order to optimise and to expand practical applications of the pulsed power systems, it is important to develop plasma switches with minimum inductance and a low (nanosecond and sub-nanosecond) variation in time to breakdown. In order to achieve the required operational parameters, multi-channelling plasma closing switches with higher energy transfer through multiple plasma channels can be used. Also, such plasma switches will have lower electrode erosion rates and higher operational power which will help to achieve advance operational performance and to expand their practical applications. Another important aspect which will be investigated in this PhD project is the use of environmentally friendly gases in the plasma closing switches due to tightened environmental regulations.

This PhD project will be conducted within the High Voltage Technologies (HVT) Research Group which is the UK leading group in the field of pulsed power, plasma switching and pulsed power technologies. The HVT research group is a multi-disciplinary group which accumulated significant experience and expertise in the field high voltage, pulsed power and gas switching; the Group currently consists of 9 members of academic and teaching staff, 4 Research Assistants and 30 PhD students. The group has modern research facilities and provides a stimulating and supportive environment within which to undertake PhD study.