Pulsed- and DC-Charged PCSS-Based Trigger Generators

Glover, Steven F.; Zutavern, F.J.; Swalby, M.E.; Cich, Michael Joseph; Loubriel, G.M.; Már, A.; White, F.E.

doi:10.1109/tps.2010.2049662

Cited by 19 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The jitter values of the avalanche GaAs PCSS values calculated by Equation ( 5) were as follows: 164.3 ps at the bias voltage of 30 kV, and 106.9 ps at the bias voltage of 35 kV. Both results are shorter than the previously best-reported value of 560 ps [6]. where ti denotes the delay time between the laser pulse and the output current waveform of trigger i, n is the number of triggers, and t is the average value of delay times of multiple triggers.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 61%

“…High-power nanosecond ultrafast switching devices have been widely used in highpower microwave systems, mostly as trigger generators in the Z-pinch pulsed-power systems. They have also been used in the biomedical industry [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. A photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) can operate at high voltage, has a low inductance, and can provide a high-speed response to laser pulses.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Electrical Characterizations of 35-kV Semi-Insulating Gallium Arsenide Photoconductive Switch

Wang

et al. 2021

Photonics

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In this paper, a three-layer GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switch (GaAs PCSS) is designed to withstand high voltage from 20 to 35 kV. The maximum avalanche gain and minimum on-state resistance of GaAs PCSS are 1385 and 0.58 Ω, respectively, which are the highest values reported to date. Finally, the influence of the bias voltage on the avalanche stability is analyzed. The stability of the GaAs PCSS is evaluated and calculated. The results show that the jitter values at the bias voltages of 30 kV and 35 kV are 164.3 ps and 106.9 ps, respectively. This work provides guidance for the design of semiconductor switches with high voltage and high gain.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 61%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrical Characterizations of 35-kV Semi-Insulating Gallium Arsenide Photoconductive Switch

Wang

et al. 2021

Photonics

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“…Switches for higher voltage applications are tested with much larger devices ranging from 1-15 mm long at up to 100 kV or 10-70 kV/cm. Both sizes of switches are typically pulse charged in the 1-50 µs regime, although DC charging has been demonstrated at reduced fields for nuetron irradiated and longer switches [1]. Figure 3 shows the high voltage test bed that we are presently using to test triggering of MCSF.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A short pulse application that requires high voltage (HV) and only low current, or a few filaments, is a trigger for conventional pulsed power switches. Tests with a variety of electrically triggered HV spark gaps have shown that a low current PCSS in close proximity to the trigger pin can produce lower jitter switching over a larger operating voltage range than the best reported results with conventional 50 Ω HV trigger systems [1]. PCSS trigger generators, such as the one shown in figure 2 for a 200 kV linear transformer driver (LTD) only require 1-5 filaments depending on the PCSS lifetime requirements.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multi-filament pcss modules to replace high current pulsed power switches

Zutavern

Már

Vawter

et al. 2013

2013 19th IEEE Pulsed Power Conference (PPC)

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Methods of producing multiple current-sharing filaments (MCSF) in GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) have produced as many as 30 filaments per switch with a spacing of 330 µm. As the approaches to triggering and isolating MCSF mature, the replacement of high current, conventional pulsed power switches with banks of MCSF PCSSs capable of switching tens of kiloamps become feasible and economical. Multiple banks of MCSF PCSS can eventually produce optically controlled pulsed power systems with faster rise-times, shorter pulses, and higher peak powers using more economical switches with device lifetimes of over one million pulses. This paper will report progress from three types of MCSF approaches: (1) line-of-sight (LOS) optics focused with cylindrical micro-lens arrays into bright narrow lines of light on the surface of the PCSS; (2) high-reflectivity dielectric optical masks which produce shadows of bright narrow lines of light on the surface of the PCSS; and (3) etched-steps in the surface of the PCSS to divide up the illuminating light and isolate the filaments. These approaches will be tested to switch 2-3 kA with three 1cm square GaAs PCSS. Switching parameters, approximate device lifetimes, and current-sharing capability are being measured and evaluated for each of these triggering techniques. Many other approaches have been considered previously, and their potential for other specific applications will be discussed. Increasing PCSS current density through the development of longer-lived PCSS with higher currents per filament is research that has continued in parallel with the multi-filament triggering work. This however is primarily an interface issue where the contact metal meets the GaAs. We will discuss new electrical contact geometries capable of reducing current crowding, thereby lowering the peak current density to enable higher total filament current. Theoretical bases for improving contacts will also be discussed.

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“…Simulations have indicated that the switches need to be triggerable from 45% to 90% of self break, an unusual challenge in the design of a pulsed power system. Recent testing has demonstrated that the 200 kV gas switch designed by the HCEI is capable of performing over this wide operating range [11], even down to 45% of self break [12]. This is an impressive characteristic of the HCEI switch.…”

Section: Genesis Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genesis: A 5 MA programmable pulsed power driver for Isentropic Compression Experiments

Glover

Schneider

Reed

et al. 2009

2009 IEEE Pulsed Power Conference

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Enabling technologies are being developed at Sandia National Laboratories to improve the performance and flexibility of compact pulsed power drivers for magnetically driven dynamic materials properties research. We have designed a modular system capable of precision current pulse shaping through the selective triggering of pulse forming components into a disk transmission line feeding a strip line load. The system is comprised of two hundred and forty 200 kV, 60 kA modules in a low inductance configuration capable of producing 250-350 kbar of magnetic pressure in a 1.75 nH, 20 mm wide strip line load. The system, called Genesis, measures approximately 5 meters in diameter and is capable of producing shaped currents greater than 5 MA. This performance is enabled through the use of a serviceable solid dielectric insulator system which minimizes the system inductance and reduces the stored energy and operating voltage requirements. Genesis can be programmed by the user to generate precision pulse shapes with rise times of 220-500 ns, allowing characterization of a range of materials from tungsten to polypropylene. This paper provides an overview of the Genesis design including the use of genetic optimization to shape currents through selective module triggering.

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Pulsed- and DC-Charged PCSS-Based Trigger Generators

Cited by 19 publications

References 15 publications

Electrical Characterizations of 35-kV Semi-Insulating Gallium Arsenide Photoconductive Switch

Electrical Characterizations of 35-kV Semi-Insulating Gallium Arsenide Photoconductive Switch

Multi-filament pcss modules to replace high current pulsed power switches

Genesis: A 5 MA programmable pulsed power driver for Isentropic Compression Experiments

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