High current linear transformer driver (LTD) development at Sandia National Laboratories

Sandia is actively pursuing the development of new accelerators based on the new technology of the linear transformer driver (LTD). LTD based drivers are currently considered for many applications including X-ray radiography, very high current Z-pinch drivers, and Z-pinch IFE (inertial fusion energy). LTD is a new method for constructing high-current, high-voltage induction pulsed accelerators. The pulse forming capacitors and switches are enclosed inside the accelerating cavity. High currents can be achieved by feeding each cavity core with many capacitors connected in parallel in a circular array. High voltage is obtained by inductively adding the output voltage of many cavities in series. Utilizing the presently available capacitors and switches we can envision building the next generation of fast radiographic and Z-pinch drivers without large Marx generators and voluminous oil-water pulse forming and pulse compression networks. One of the most significant advantages is that the LTD drivers can be rep-rated. The latter makes LTD the driver of choice for Z pinch IFE. Presently we have in rep-rated operation in Sandia a one 0.1-MA, 100-kV LTD cavity. In parallel we are preparing a new LTD laboratory to house our 10, 1-MA, 100-kV LTD cavities recently constructed and received from the HCEI, Tomsk, Russia.