Dielectric liquid pulsed-power switch

• US 4,970,434 A
• Filed: 08/30/1989
• Issued: 11/13/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: United States Department of Energy
• Original Assignee: United States Department of Energy
• Inventors: Faidas, Homer, Christophorou, Loucas G.
• Primary Examiner(s): MIS, DAVID C
• Application Number:
  US07/400,626
• Time in Patent Office: 440 Days
• Field of Search: 315/111.01, 315/150, 315/159, 315/290, 250/211 R, 313/523, 313/538, 313/541, 313/542, 313/543, 313/544
• US Class Current: 315/111.01
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 9/00 Electrolytic capacitors, rectifiers, detectors, switching devices, light-sensitive or temperature-sensitive devices; Processes of their manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/80 using non-linear magnetic devices; using non-linear dielectric devices H03K17/95, H03K17/97 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 3/53 by the use of an energy-accumulating element discharged through the load by a switching device controlled by an external signal and not incorporating positive feedback H03K3/335 takes precedence

Abstract

This disclosure identifies dielectric liquids for use as opening and closing switching media in pulsed power technology, and describes a dielectric-liquid-pulsed-power switch empolying flashlamps.

Claims

1. A pulsed power switch comprising:

a cell containing a dielectric liquid;

a cathode;

an anode;

an electron source.

2. The switch of claim 1 wherein said dielectric liquid has a negative V₀.

3. The switch of claim 1 wherein said dielectric liquid is selected from the group comprising tetramethylsilane, 2,2,4,4-tetramethylpentane, neopentane, tetramethyltin and mixtures thereof.

4. The switch of claim 1 wherein said electron source comprises a flashlamp in conjunction with a material capable of emitting electrons when exposed to light emitted by said flashlamp.

5. The switch of claim 1 wherein said electron source comprises;

a transparent containment vessel capable of transmitting light;

said containment vessel having contained therein a gas capable of generating light;

a means for activating said gas to generate light;

the exterior surface of said containment vessel comprising material capable of ejecting electrons from its surface when exposed to light;

said exterior surface being within said cell and contacting said dielectric liquid.

6. The switch of claim 5 wherein said gas is selected from the group comprising Xe, Ar, Ne, H₂, D₂, N₂, and mixtures thereof.

7. The switch of claim 5 wherein said material capable of ejecting electrons is selected from the group comprising metals and semiconductors.

8. The switch of claim 7 wherein said semiconductors are selected from the group consisting of Ba, Mg, Cs, Cu, and Cs₃ Sb.

9. The switch of claim 5 wherein said transparent vessel comprising electron emitting material also serves as said cathode.