Electrical breakdown and recovery processes in water have been studied using electrical and nanosecond optical diagnostics. The breakdown electric field in submillimeter gaps with 200 ns voltage pulses applied has been measured as 1 MV/cm, the rate of current rise during breakdown reaches 4·10~(11) A/s. The switch recovery time is determined by expansion and decay of a vapor bubble. The experimental results, together with the results of a model with a percolative approach, provide design criteria for compact, high power, high repetition rate, liquid-switch pulse generators.
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