The effect of working gas pressure on the switching rate of a kivotron

The switching rate in gas-discharge devices (kivotrons) based on an “open” discharge with counterpropagating electron beams is studied experimentally. Structures with a total cathode area of 2 cm$^2$ were used. A monotonic reduction in the switching time with an increase in the working gas pressure and in the voltage amplitude at the time of breakdown is demonstrated. The minimum switching time is $\sim$240 ps at a voltage of 17 kV. The maximum current rise rate, which is limited by the discharge circuit inductance, is 3 $\times$ 10$^{12}$ A/s.