Switching of high-voltage pulses in devices based on open discharge in nitrogen and oxygen

Results of comparative investigations of the pulse-switching characteristics of devices (kivotrons) based on the open discharge in molecular gases (oxygen and nitrogen) and their mixtures with helium are presented. The choice of oxygen and nitrogen is determined by the fact that the coefficients of electron emission under impact of their heavy particles are much higher as compared to that for helium. It is established that this factor, as well as the case of predominantly photoelectron emission mechanism operative in helium, makes the creation of fast switches possible. These switches are advantageous in posing lower requirements on the purity of a working gas medium.