Advanced pulsed power concept and component development for KrF laser IFE

The Electra advanced pulsed power development program has the goal of developing and demonstrating pulsed power technology that is applicable for KrF (krypton fluoride) laser IFE (inertial fusion energy). The application presents efficiency, lifetime and cost challenges that mandate the use of advanced pulse compression topologies. In turn, these advanced topologies require the development of critical components and the establishment of engineering criteria for use in designing them. The component most critical to realizing any of the advanced topologies under study is the primary energy transfer switch. Therefore, the program has been developing an advanced optically-triggered and pumped solid state switch that is expected to meet the efficiency, lifetime and cost requirements of an IFE driver. Liquid dielectric breakdown studies are also underway, with the intent to develop design criteria relevant to the large electrically stressed areas associated with a viable KrF IFE power plant. KrF IFE pulse compression and component concepts are discussed as well as the most recent results from the solid-state switch development and liquid dielectric test efforts.