Advanced load current multiplier on Zebra generator

Abstract

An improved load current multiplier (LCM) was designed and tested on a high-voltage 100 ns, 0.8–1 MA generator Zebra. The new design allowed to achieve up to ∼1.7 MA in plasma loads and up to 1.9 MA in static loads [1]. The previous LCM version provided 1.4 and 1.6 MA accordingly [2]. The load current increase results in the increase of X-ray yield and power from plasma radiation source loads [3]. The advanced LCM represents an integral part of Zebra, inside the generator vacuum section. The new low-inductance design of LCM-to-load connection ensured shielding of the multiplier convolute from load events. Experiments with plasma loads were thus possible without after-shot dismounting of LCM for load installation and diagnostics arrangement. Validation of LCM's on a high-voltage nanosecond generator suggests that the concept could be applicable to existing and future multi-MA fast pulse-power drivers. Anticipating these applications, we present first estimates supporting scaling-up of the LCM technique to multi-terawatt facilities.