High Current Linear Transformer Driver (LTD) Experiments

Abstract

Summary form only given. Sandia Laboratories is actively pursuing the development of new accelerators based on the novice technology of linear transformer driver (LTD). LTD based drivers are considered for many applications including future very high current Z-pinch ICF (inertial confinement fusion) drivers like ZX and Z-pinch IFE (inertial fusion energy). The high current LTD driver experimental research is concentrated on two aspects: first, to study the repetition rate capabilities, life time and jitter of the LTD cavities; and second to study how a number of cavities behave and add their energy, power and voltage output in a voltage adder configuration assembly. The repetition rate and life time studies are being done in the Sandia high current LTD laboratory utilizing a prototype 500-kA, 100-kV LTD cavity. The voltage adder experiments are being conducted jointly at the high current electronic institute (HCEI) in Tomsk, Russia where a number of 1-MA cavities are being built under Sandia contract. Experimental arrangements and first experimental results are presented and analyzed.