High Temperature, High Power Fast Plasma Switch

We will demonstrate ultrafast, high power switching technology capable of operating within high temperature environments {> 300 C). The technology is based on generation of Continuous Extension Laser Spark (CELS) by Besselian laser beam. These switches are capable of ultrafast switching GW peak power electrical pulses within high temperature environments, operate with subnanosecond delay, rise time, jitter, and electrical pulse shape programmability. The switch developed in Phase I will operate with 30 MW peak powers, 0 - 30 kV voltage range, 5 kA current capacity, 20 Hz repetition rates, with 1 ns 10 mJ laser. With technological advancements in high repetition rate laser systems, a 1 GW, 1 kHz plasma switch operating within > 300 C environments can be realized using the proposed technology.