Investigations of compact high-current accelerators RADAN-303 synchronization with nanosecond accuracy

Abstract

We present results of an investigation of precision synchronization modes for compact high-current RADAN-303 electron accelerators. The high-voltage generator of the accelerator represents a double forming line. Simultaneous triggering of two identical DFL generators with a common spark gap (rigid synchronization of accelerators) is realized. Two absolutely synchronous 4-ns accelerating voltage pulses have been obtained. A study has been made of a trigatron-type controllable spark gap that switches the DFL with subnanosecond precision. For these switching conditions we have experimentally determined the parameters of trigger pulses that assure a subnanosecond spark-gap firing precision over a range of voltages amounting to 0.3 or 0.4 of the self-breakdown voltage. Possible areas of application of synchronized high-voltage generators and accelerators are highlighted.