Operation of a load current multiplier on a nanosecond mega-ampere pulse forming line generator

Abstract

We investigate the operation of a load current multiplier (LCM) on a pulse-forming-line nanosecond pulse-power generator. Potential benefits of using the LCM technique on such generators are studied analytically for a simplified case. A concrete LCM design on the Zebra accelerator (1.9 Ohm, ∼1MA, 100 ns) is described. This design is demonstrated experimentally with high-voltage power pulses having a rise time of dozens of nanoseconds. Higher currents and magnetic energies were observed in constant-inductance solid-state loads when a better generator-to-load energy coupling was achieved. The load current on Zebra was increased from the nominal 0.8-0.9 MA up to about 1.6 MA. This result was obtained without modifying the generator energetics or architecture and it is in good agreement with the presented numerical simulations. Validation of the LCM technique at a nanosecond time scale is of importance for the high-energy-density physics research. © 2010 The American Physical Society.