Placeholder for general discussion of switching devices for the AVEC Device...
Please create a new Topic for specific devices that are found to be suitable.
"Pulsed Power Switching Devices - An Overview"
http://205.243.100.155/frames/pasley.html
Most of the devices listed here are overkill for this application. I posted it for reference only.
Same info - easier on the eyes:
http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlux/hv/pasley1.htm
Some solid state switching devices:
Avalanche diode
Avalanche transistor
Thyrister: DIAC, TRIAC, SCR, SIDAC
MOSFET
IGBT
I like the idea of a spark gap for initial testing of a CCU. I'm using 4 for the tetra, the SEP coil at the top has been tricky to time perfectly in phase with the other 3 coils, however. I'll need some fast diodes or some magnetic coupling with the windings out of phase to attempt a sort of diode equivalent. That way I can get a reasonably easy high voltage switching device without buying super expensive MOSFETs (for the higher voltages at least).
By the way, thanks for recommending the EMCO 4KV DC-DC Brick. It's awesome!
http://www.lle.rochester.edu/media/publications/lle_review/documents/v133/133_07_Solid.pdf
Why not use E = Ground (center electrode) for trigger?
DC breakdown from 75V
http://www.littelfuse.com/products/gas-discharge-tubes/~/media/electronics_technical/datasheets/gas_discharge_tubes/littelfuse_gdt_pmt3_datasheet.pdf
http://www.bourns.com/pdfs/bourns_gdt_white_paper.pdf
http://www.nisshin-electric.com/sun/General-Technical-Information.pdf
http://www.r-type.org/articles/art-131.htm