Fundamental science investigations to develop a 6-MV             laser triggered gas switch for ZR: first annual report.

Warne, Larry K.; Avyle, J.A. Van Den; Lehr, J.M.; Rose, D. V.; Krompholz, H.; Vela, Russell; Jorgenson, Roy E.; Timoshkin, I. V.; Woodworth, J. R.; Prestwich, K.R.; Krile, J.; Given, M.J.; McKee, G.R.; Rosenthal, S.E.; Struve, K. W.; Welch, D. R.; Benwell, A.; Kovaleski, Scott D.; LeChien, K. R.; Johnson, D.L.; Fouracre, R.A.; Yeckel, Chris; Wakeland, P.; Miller, A.R.; Hodge, K.C.; Pasik, Michael F.; Savage, M. E.; Maenchen, J.E.; Curry, R. D.; Feltz, G.; Bliss, David E.; MacGregor, S.J.; Corley, J.P.; Anaya, V.; Wallace, Zachariah Red; Thoma, C.; Neuber, A.

doi:10.2172/901968

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…energy density physics such as inertial confinement fusion, radiation effects, and dynamic material properties [4][5][6][7]. The laser-triggered gas switch has excellent performance in terms of low breakdown time jitter, which makes it particularly suitable for applications where precise timing is required.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study of operation mode and breakdown characteristics for multi-stage gas switch

Shang,

Cheng,

et al. 2024

J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.

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Multi-stage gas switches (MSGS) are widely used in megavolt pulsed power systems due to their advantages of high withstand voltage, fast establishing time and relatively high operating frequency. Multiple operation modes, which are induced by the different breakdown sequence of each stage, are found to affect the breakdown characteristics of the gas switch. Based on the theoretical analysis of working principle, the classification of the operation mode and the factors determining the operation mode of the MSGS are proposed. Methods for investigating the output waveform for MSGS are established by simulating lumped parameters and studying the breakdown time sequence of individual stages. In comparison with the intended mode of operation, the disadvantages of the unintended modes of operation for MSGS, including error-breakdown and non-triggering mode, are revealed. For unintended modes, the distortion of the output waveform, which determines the efficiency of energy transmission through the switch, and the increased delay time jitter, which determines the synchronisation of the gas switch, are further investigated. The possibility of non-trigger and its mechanism on surface flashovers induced by drifting electrons are also analysed. Based on this study, design principles and methods are proposed to ensure the intended operation of the multi-stage gas switch.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study of operation mode and breakdown characteristics for multi-stage gas switch

Shang,

Cheng,

et al. 2024

J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.

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“…[4]. A laser triggered 6-MV rim-fire type multi-stage was investigated at Sandia National Laboratories at 2007 [5]. This switch consists of laser triggered priority breakdown stages to lower the breakdown jitter and succeeded over-voltaged breakdown stages in series to lower the conducting inductance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A 1-MV low-jitter high-reliability multi-stage equal breakdown probability gas switch

Shang¹,

Su²,

Zeng³

et al. 2022

Phys. Scr.

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This paper presents the development of a novel megavolt-class equal breakdown probability (EBP) multi-stage self-discharge gas switch for high power microwave generation with low breakdown jitter and high reliability. With the joint distribution of breakdown probability for ‘n’ identical stages of EBP gas switch, the advantages of diminishing the breakdown jitter and omitting the complex breakdown order problem are hence disclosed in considerable details with the aid of probability computation method. Based on theoretical analysis, a 5 stages 1-MV EBP multi-stage gas switch is designed in which periodic cog profile cathode is proposed to further decrease the breakdown jitter. The performances of EBP switch are tested at the repetition rate of 1,10,20,50 Hz over 1000 successive pulses with breakdown jitter as low as 2.7% ,energy efficiency as high as 90% and pulse rising time as low as 5ns. The overall performance of EBP gas switch shows great potential in compact and reliable high power microwave generating system.

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“…The generation of high-voltage fast pulses usually needs multi-stage compression and superposition of primary pulses [1][2][3], which requires high-voltage pulsed switches with low jitter. Working mechanisms of externally triggered switches such as laser-triggered switches [4][5][6], trigatrons [7][8][9] and V/n switches [10] are relatively clear, and their jitter can be less than 1 ns [11][12][13][14]. The operating voltage of a laser-triggered switch can exceed 6 MV [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Working mechanisms of externally triggered switches such as laser-triggered switches [4][5][6], trigatrons [7][8][9] and V/n switches [10] are relatively clear, and their jitter can be less than 1 ns [11][12][13][14]. The operating voltage of a laser-triggered switch can exceed 6 MV [4]. In the triggered gap, which breaks down first, the laser is powerful enough to ionize the gas molecules directly.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparative study of pulsed breakdown processes and mechanisms in self-triggered four-electrode pre-ionized switches

Wang¹,

Sun²,

Yang³

et al. 2022

Plasma Sci. Technol.

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This work investigates the pulsed breakdown processes and mechanisms of self-triggered pre-ionized switches with a four-electrode structure in nitrogen through ICCD (Intensified Charge Coupled Device) photographs. The diameter of the trigger plane hole mainly determines the switch’s electric field distribution. Two configurations with minimum and maximum trigger plane holes are adopted for comparison. In the switch with a minimum trigger plane hole, the maximum electric field distributes at the surfaces of the main electrodes. Though charged particles in the triggering spark channel cannot drift out, homogeneous discharges can be stimulated from both the cathode and anode surfaces through UV (ultraviolet) illumination. Two sub-gaps are likely to break down simultaneously. In the switch with a maximum trigger plane hole, the maximum electric field locates near the trigger electrodes. Discharges in both sub-gaps initiate from the trigger electrodes in the form of a positive or negative streamer. Due to lower breakdown voltage and electric field threshold for discharge initiation, the cathode side sub-gap breaks down first. The analysis of two extreme examples can be referenced in the future design and improvement of self-triggered four-electrode switches with different structures of trigger electrodes.

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Fundamental science investigations to develop a 6-MV laser triggered gas switch for ZR: first annual report.

Cited by 8 publications

References 0 publications

Study of operation mode and breakdown characteristics for multi-stage gas switch

Study of operation mode and breakdown characteristics for multi-stage gas switch

A 1-MV low-jitter high-reliability multi-stage equal breakdown probability gas switch

Comparative study of pulsed breakdown processes and mechanisms in self-triggered four-electrode pre-ionized switches

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