Limiting parameters of the plasma opening switch

Implementing programs for nuclear fusion research and X-ray generation requ ires the creation of superpower generators based on plasma opening switches (POSs) capable of commutating currents as high as several tens of megaampe res at output voltages of up to 5 MV and higher. The physical mechanisms li miting the POS voltage are investigated. It is shown that, as the generator voltage U-g increases, the voltage multiplication factor k = U-POS/U-g(whe re U-POS is the POS voltage) decreases. An explanation for such a dependenc e is proposed, and the maximum value of the POS voltage is estimated. A POS design that enables operating in the above current acid voltage ranges is considered. The design is based on applying an external magnetic field to t he POS interelectrode gap, increasing the initial generator voltage, and de creasing the linear (along the perimeter of the outer electrode) density of the charge passing through the POS during the conduction phase. (C) 2001 M AIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".