Plasma opening switch research for DECADE

Abstract

Plasma opening switch (POS) research for the DECADE radiation effects test facility is reviewed. This research was first performed on a half-scale generator, DECADE Prototype Module 1, and indicated the importance of the POS electrode geometry to obtain the required impedance at appropriate conduction times. It also was demonstrated that the conduction time jitter was suitable for a multimodule system. Preliminary experiments at full energy were then conducted on DECADE Module 1 that indicated significant current loss when using a bremsstrahlung load, limiting the output radiation to about half of the DECADE requirement. These results initiated an effort to thoroughly diagnose the power-flow region downstream of the switch, an effort that ultimately provided improved understanding of POS operation and improved coupling to bremsstrahlung loads. At the conclusion of this effort, it had been demonstrated that it is possible for the POS-driven system to meet the DECADE requirements.