Output conditioning using exploding foil and PEOS switching techniques

This paper describes the practical data and computer modelling techniques used in predicting the waveforms of the pulsed output produced by a flux compressor followed by several stages of conditioning using opening and closing switches. The compressor provides a large (MA) current to an inductive store, and a synchronised switching sequence interrupts and rapidly diverts the current into a small inductive load, with the consequent production of an output pulse having a very short rise time. Exploding foils (fuses) or explosively formed fuses are used as opening switches in the early stages, with automatically operating exploding foil closing switches between stages. Final nanosecond sharpening is ensured by a plasma erosion opening switch. The paper explains the design and construction of the various switches. The experiments needed to determine the switch characteristics for use in the computer model are described, together with the results obtained. Capacitor bank conditioning circuits and experimental procedures used in provided a suitable input current profile to the plasma erosion opening switch for testing and illustrating its behaviour are presented. The paper concludes with the predicted output waveforms for a compressor with a conditioning circuit that includes such a switch in its final stage. The novel circuit arrangement and the computer model are outlined