Abstract: A spark gap apparatus triggerable by application of a microwave pulse. The apparatus includes a first electrode including a microwave waveguide, and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode. A microwave generator is connected to supply microwave pulses to the waveguide. A main current circuit to be switched is connected to the electrodes. The first and second electrodes include components for causing the simultaneous existence of a number of spark channels therebetween in response to coupling of a microwave pulse to the waveguide so that coupling of the pulse to the waveguide results in switching of the main current circuit. A method of using the spark gap apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plasma process for the production of a dielectric rod 6 from gaseous starting materials, causes the rod 6 to grow in the axial direction by deposition on its end face. This is effected by conducting microwave energy via the rod 6 to its end face, this energy maintaining a gaseous discharge 7 at the end face. The starting material flows into this gaseous discharge as a gaseous jet by means of a concentric nozzle system 8.

Abstract: A method of making optical fibers by plasma chemical vapor deposition (PCVD) is disclosed wherein the pressure in the glass tube is maintained constant by controlling the rate of evacuation. The pressure-dependent controlled variable is preferably the impedance of the plasma-producing device, and the rate of evacuation is controlled in such a way that this impedance remains constant.

Abstract: A method for coating the interior of electrically non-conductive pipes by means of a reactive separation from a gas flowing through the pipe, whereby the gas is dissociated by an electrical gas discharge, and wherein the separation occurs simultaneously throughout the total pipe length. Pulse discharges are used having pulse lengths which are so adjusted to the transit time of the gas through the pipe that the time period between two successive pulses corresponds to the time which is required for filling the pipe with unused gas.