Time-Dependent Spark-Gap Resistance in Short-Duration Arcs with Semimetallic Cathodes

The measurement of time-dependent spark-gap resistance in short-duration, short-gap pulsed discharges with metallic and semimetallic cathodes was made. It is shown that at high currents the ratio of the spark-gap resistance of semimetallic cathodes to that of metallic cathodes decrease by an order of magnitude.