A 1-MV, 1-MA, 0.1-Hz linear transformer driver utilizing an internal water transmission line

Sandia National Laboratories is investigating linear transformer driver (LTD) architecture as a potential replacement of conventional Marx generator based pulsed power systems. Such systems have traditionally been utilized as the primary driver for z-pinch wire-array experiments, radiography, inertial fusion energy (IFE) concepts, and dynamic materials experiments (i.e. ICE). We are developing a 10-cavity LTD voltage adder that has a nominal 1-MV, 1-MA, 1-TW output pulse with a 10-90% rise-time of ~60-ns and FWHM of ~150-ns into an optimized impedance load (when synchronizing the triggering of cavities for maximum current). The driver and the peripheral systems are designed for a repetition rate of 6-shots per minute for short intervals. The driver utilizes an internal water insulated transmission line. This system will be utilized for system level conceptual development for many applications, specifically rep-rate and precision pulse-shaping applications. We shall first implement a 1-MA, 0.2-MV, 0.1-Hz 2-cavity voltage adder that will be operational in early 2010 followed by expansion to a 10-cavity system in late 2010. The 2-cavity system is described in this manuscript.