Laser-triggered spark gap for high-energy KrF laser amplifiers

The design and experimental results of laser-triggered spark gaps for switc hing pulse forming lines in a 3 kJ class KrF laser amplifier is reported. T hrough the electric-field optimization in the spark-gap vessel, electrical stress on the insulator surface is alleviated and the gap inductance is red uced. With the use of this spark gap, fast rise-time (10 ns) high-voltage p ulses (600 kV/270 ns) are obtained with a small jitter (5 ns/1 sigma).