Development and tests of fast 1-MA linear transformer driver stages

Abstract

In this article we present the design and test results of the most powerful, fast linear transformer driver (LTD) stage developed to date. This 1-MA LTD stage consists of 40 parallel RLC (resistor R, inductor L, and capacitor C) circuits called ``bricks'' that are triggered simultaneously; it is able to deliver $\ensuremath{\sim}1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MA}$ current pulse with a rise time of $\ensuremath{\sim}100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ns}$ into the $\ensuremath{\sim}0.1\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\mathrm{Ohm}$ matched load. The electrical behavior of the stage can be predicted by using a simple RLC circuit, thus simplifying the designing of various LTD-based accelerators. Five 1-MA LTD stages assembled in series into a module have been successfully tested with both resistive and vacuum electron-beam diode loads.