We fabricated vacuum power switches rated at 10kV, building electron emitters (essentially p-i-n diodes) from hydrogen-terminated diamond, whose negative-electron affinity enables it to supply a great deal of current across a strong vacuum when it is turned on. We also calculated that the technology could be scaled up to 100kV or greater, making the approach a promising one to control smart grids.
Researcher Information
JST ALCA (Advanced Low Carbon Technology Research and Development Program) :
“Ultra-high Voltage, High Efficiency, and Compact Vacuum Power Switch”
Journal Information
Published in the scientific journal “IEDM 2012 - 2012 IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) TECHNICAL DIGEST”
D. Takeuchi et al, “A 10kV Vacuum Switch with Negative Electron Affinity of Diamond p-i-n Electron Emitter”, IEDM12, pp.167-170 (7.6.1-7.6.4) (2012)
doi: 10.1109/IEDM.2012.6479000
Contact
[About Research]
AIST Public Relations Department
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Link to the article: http://www.aist.go.jp/index_en.html
[About Program]
Miyabi HAYAMA, Akitsugu KOGA
Department of Green Innovation, Japan Science and Technology Agency
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