Pulsed Power Development For The Supersprite Multikilojoule Krf Laser

A brief description is given of the pulsed power components for the proposed Supersprite laser system. The design of a 1.7 MV, SF/sub 6/ insulated output switch is described. This switch incorporates a radial insulator geometry and is triggered using a pulsed KrF laser. The results of switch testing, including self-break measurements as a function of SF/sub 6/ pressure and switching delay measurements as a function of switch voltage are presented. The latter are compared with a model due to T.H. Martin and show good agreement with the "strong trigger" mode. A comparison between measured electrical waveforms and a simple circuit model is made.