Low voltage drop, cross-field, gas switch and method of operation

A gas switch arranged about a switch axis, the gas switch comprising:

• an anode;
• a cathode spaced apart from said anode, said cathode comprising a conduction surface;
• a plurality of magnets arranged to generate a magnetic field, wherein a portion of the magnetic field extends parallel to a portion of the conduction surface at a radial distance from the switch axis, and wherein the magnetic field defines a closed annular path over the portion of the conduction surface at the radial distance;
• a first grid positioned between said cathode and said anode, said first grid defining a grid-to-cathode gap that contains an ionizable gas;
• and
• a second grid positioned between said first grid and said anode, said second grid defining a grid-to-anode gap, said second grid arranged to receive a bias voltage to establish a conducting plasma between said anode and said cathode, wherein, in the presence of the conducting plasma, a voltage drop between said anode and said cathode is in the range of 50-150 volts, and wherein the conducting plasma forms a cathode spot that circles the annular path.