Measurements on the currents in the pre-breakdown phase and the static breakdown voltage for the pseudospark switch with a blocking electrode and a trigger unit based on an auxiliary glow discharge are presented. The use of the blocking electrode offers the possibility to extend the range of operating pressures for the switch with conservation of a high level of static breakdown voltage and a low delay time. It is shown that the effect of the blocking electrode on the static breakdown voltage is due to suppression of the hollow cathode effect in the main gap of the switch. >
