Experiments on GIT4 with the load upstream from the POS

In experiments on GIT4, a scheme with the load connected upstream from the plasma opening switch (POS) was investigated. The load was connected to the generator output through the surface self-breaking switch. The current switching into the different inductive loads was tested. It was found that the time the POS is open depends on the value of the load inductance. It was demonstrated also that surface self-breaking switch can be applied for switching currents rising at /spl sim/2/spl middot/10/sup 13/ A/s.