A Microwave Plasma Closing Switch
Abstract
A microwave plasma closing switch has been constructed using a fluorescent lamp as the central conductor of a coaxial line. When the lamp is energized, the coaxial line transmits microwaves. When the lamp is de-energized, the plasma conductor disappears, and the system reverts to a waveguide beyond cutoff. We have observed up to 61 dB difference in transmission between energized and de-energized operation. A simple model of the line using capacitors, inductors and resistors using the resistance measured in the tube predicts the observed behavior very successfully.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 1996
- Bibcode:
- 1996APS..DPP..5S38L