Repetitive plasma opening switch for powerful high-voltage pulse generators

Results are presented from experimental studies of plasma opening switches that serve to sharpen the pulses of inductive microsecond high-voltage puls e generators. It is demonstrated that repetitive plasma opening switches ca n be used to create super-powerful generators operating in a quasi-continuo us regime. An erosion switching mechanism and the problem of magnetic insul ation in repetitive switches are considered. Achieving super-high peak powe r in plasma switches makes it possible to develop new types of high-power g enerators of electron beams and X radiation. Possible implementations and t he efficiency of these generators are discussed.