High Power Density Water Dielectric Switching

Pulse forming networks for high current particle beam fusion accelerators must produce fast rise time, low jitter, low prepulse, and high voltage power pulses. Conventional water dielectric switching can provide the required rise time and jitter, but has limitations on prepulse and output voltage. A high power density, low prepulse, pulse forming line (PFL) configuration with self-breakdown water dielectric switches is presented. The design parameters and the results of switching experiments are described.