Simulation of the switching performance of an optically triggered pseudo-spark thyratron

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Abstract
The optically triggered pseudo-spark, also known as the back-lit thyratron, is a low-pressure plasma switch having an unheated metallic cathode, which has performance specifications competitive with conventional hot cathode thyratrons. In this paper a computer simulation of the BLT is presented. The simulation consists of a 2 1/2 -dimensional time-dependent continuum model for electron and ion transport using the local field approximation. The model includes an external circuit, and the user may specify the type of gas, pressure, geometry, and electrode materials. Predictions for the anode delay time are compared to experiment as a function of pressure (p), cathode-anode spacing (d), and trigger fluence. We find that switch closure depends critically on the formation of a virtual anode in front of the cathode hole by generation of positive space charge, and that the anode delay time decreases with increasing p, trigger fluence d, and cathode hole diameter. We also find switch performance is not well characterized by the pd product as in other plasma switches. Rather, we find these quantities depend separately on p and d in a manner which is a function of the geometry of the cathode.

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