Ultra Compact Energy Efficient High Voltage Switches for Switching Very Small Energy Stores

The work described herein is designed to take the two unique switch technologies invented in Phase I to the technology level necessary for manufacturing to customer"s specifications. The single-shot explosive driven dielectric puncture switch employs a unique electrically initiated explosive primer developed for applications in firearms and through modification uses the gases generated on detonation for driving an anvil into a switch consisting of metallic shim and dielectric film. The switch is capable of high voltage, high current, high energy applications. The second switch is a miniature sealed gas spark gap consisting of Elkonite electrodes and a ceramic body. In phase I, it was shown that Elkonite electrodes could be bonded to the ceramic switch body and sustain internal gas pressures in excess of 1500 PISG. Switches were pressurized both with Argon and Hydrogen. Prototype sealed gas switches have retained pressure for about 4 months with no loss of performance. In phase II, we propose to fully characterize the performance of each switch, develop life statistics, discover failure mechanisms and from the investigation establish a methodology to design a low cost switch to a customer"s specifications.