A radial multichannel pseudospark switch for high voltage and high current applications

A radial multichannel pseudospark switch with a special geometry is discussed. This geometry allows low erosive operation for pulsed currents with peak amplitudes of more than 100 kA, a pulse duration of several tens of microseconds, a current reversal up to 100 per cent and a repetition rate of more than 1 Hz. Some aspects of increasing the hold-off voltage with the constraints of the special geometry are discussed. A maximum hold-off voltage of 40 kV has been demonstrated. As an example the operation at an underwater spark is presented.