A conduction model for PEOS operation incorporating simplified cathode sheath effects

An extension of the US Naval Research Laboratories' model for plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS) operation is proposed (see P.F. Ottinger, et al., 1984). This model differs from previous models in that it includes a simplified 1-D plasma sheath at the cathode to allow for an additional mechanism for opening: the onset of enhanced erosion in this sheath region. Switching currents based on this model are compared with those observed in PEOS experiments on FALCON at the Physics International Company and on OMNI II at Cornell University.>