Calculation Model of Self-Breakdown Voltage Distribution in Gas Switches

AMonte Carlo model is proposed to calculate the self-breakdown voltage distribution in gas switches in this study. The physical framework of the model has focused on the relationships between four random variables and development of self-breakdown. The self-breakdown process has been divided into four phases including waiting for a free electron, electron avalanche, generation of secondary electrons, and transformation from avalanche to breakdown. These random variables consist of the time and the position of the appearance of a free electron, the number of secondary electrons, and cathode protrusions. In addition, the influence of experimental conditions (such as gas pressure, gap structure, atmospheric ionization rate, and electrode morphology) on random variables has also been calculated. Then, the sampling methods of the random variables have been determined. Based on the above research, the calculation model which reflects the influence of experimental conditions on the self-breakdown stability has been established. Finally, some experiments have been designed to test the model. The calculation results conformed very well to the experimental ones.