Generation of high-voltage pulses with a subnanosecond leading edge in an open discharge. I. Design and experimental data on switching characteristics

A new type of switch based on a photoelectron open discharge is studied. The switch can generate high-voltage pulses with a subnanosecond leading edge. The coaxial and planar designs of the switch are studied. The feasibility of switching currents reaching several tens of kiloamperes with a switching time of less than 0.4 ns at a voltage of up to 20 kV, a pulse repetition rate of up to 100 kHz, and an efficiency of no less than 0.9 is demonstrated.