Ultra-compact high efficiency multi-kilovolt pulsed power source

Abstract

Single shot, high power, high energy pulsed electrical sources have been investigated over the years. Research has encompassed high energy/high power devices such as magnetic flux compression generators (MCG), as well as high power but lower energy devices like Ferroelectric generators (FEG) and ferromagnetic generators (FMG). In this paper, we will discuss recent experiments aimed at producing a pulsed electrical system consisting of a FEG, resonant energy transfer element, high speed switching, a Vector Inversion Generator (VIG) configurable as an oscillator, and a means to combine them into an efficient system that delivers maximum energy to a load at voltages in excess of 100 kV. In its final embodiment, the pulse generator will be on the order of 1.5 inches in diameter and approximately 8 inches long and capable of delivering a fast high voltage pulse (~ 9ns rise time, 200 kV) at energy levels of "joules" to the load. In this paper, we will describe recent experiments to develop resonant energy transfer from the FEG to the VIG at high efficiency, the development of explosive/dielectric switching at kilovolt levels, and the explosive testing of prototype FEG/VIG configurations that constitute laboratory prototypes sufficient for modeling and simulation. In addition preliminary data showing high frequency oscillation for the FEG/VIG configured as an oscillator will be presented and analyzed in terms of possible antenna configurations and breakdown issues.