High Repetition Rate Pseudo-Spark Switches For Laser Applications

A new switch for laser applications is described. Experiments are reported wherein it is shown that according to voltage operation range, switching precision, trigger efficiency, voltage reversal, and recovery time the pseudo-spark switch is superior to high pressure spark gap switches and comparable to thyratrons. Several pseudo-spark trigger methods are presented. The discharge can be initiated by a dielectric surface breakdown trigger. A dif ferent trigger method is based on a pulseslilL low-current gas discharge, which has practically unlimited lifetime and allows repitition rates up to 100 kHz. Several modifications of switches triggered in this manner have been tested in different types of gas lasers (copper va pour, N₂-laser), which are normally driven by thyratrons or high-pressure spark gap switches, respectively.