Nano-ZnO Cold Cathodes for Controlling Plasma Switches

摘要

Electron beam generated by a cold cathode coated with ZnO nanoneedles and other forms of nanomaterials was used to turn on a pseudospark plasma switch for pulsed power applications. A pseudospark switch filled with gases between 10 and 60 m Torr is designed and tested. Electron field emission current geoerated by the ZnO oxide coated cold cathode was sufficient to turn on a high voltage plasma switch.