Lifetime Measurements Of Pseudospark Switchs For Pulsed Gas Discharge Lasers

12 % 3.1011 AIS 169 11s (FWECM) 1.69 mC 58/233 Hz Pseudospark switches are currently under development to replace conventional thyratrons in pulsed gas discharge lasers. In comparison with thyratrons, the pseudospark switch has some fimdamental advantages like a peak current of more than 100 kA [l], a current reversal capability of 100% and a rate of current rise of up to 8.1011 AIS [2]. These advantages will make the pseudospark switch an improvement over existing switch technology if lifetime of conventional thyratrons could be achieved. Lifetime of pseudospark switches is strictly correlated with erosion phenomena at the central electrode bore holes. Results of two experiments, performed to measure lifetime and erosion in sealed off pseudospark switches, will be reported.