Low-inductance capacitive probe for spark gap voltage measurements

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Abstract
A novel high-voltage (>50 kV) capacitive probe has been developed to measure the voltage drop across a laser-triggered spark gap. The capacitors which comprise the voltage probe consist of three flat, annular rings that are housed within the spark gap chamber. The rings are oriented perpendicular to the spark column axis such that the column is formed in the open center of the rings. Polyethylene and Kapton foil are employed as dielectrics. The resistive portion of the divider is housed in a shielded enclosure external to the switch chamber. The inherent simplicity of the probe design ensures low inductance while minimizing stray capacitance; thus, the probe has excellent response characteristics (≊1-ns theoretical rise time), and does not interfere with the performance of the switch. The probe has also been designed to permit access for laser triggering and interferometric measurements of the spark column formation. The voltage, current, and resistance characteristics of a laser-triggered spark gap for various gas mixtures are also discussed.

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