Capacitor blocks for linear transformer driver stages.

In the Linear Transformer Driver (LTD) technology, the low inductance energy storage components and switches are directly incorporated into the individual cavities (named stages) to generate a fast output voltage pulse, which is added along a vacuum coaxial line like in an inductive voltage adder. LTD stages with air insulation were recently developed, where air is used both as insulation in a primary side of the stages and as working gas in the LTD spark gap switches. A custom designed unit, referred to as a capacitor block, was developed for use as a main structural element of the transformer stages.

Plasma-filled diode based on the coaxial gun.

The paper presents the results of studies of a coaxial gun for a plasma-filled electron diode. Effects of the discharge channel diameter and gun current on characteristics of the plasma and pulse generated in the diode were investigated. The electron beam with maximum energy of ≥1 MeV at the current of ≈100 kA was obtained in the experiments with a plasma-filled diode.

Megavolt range voltage measurement in vacuum through a short-circuited line.

Method of voltage measurement at a vacuum load by means of homogeneous short-circuited vacuum-isolated line was considered. Prior to appearance of a measured high-voltage pulse, a magnetic field is formed in the line due to the bias current. Biasing provides fulfillment of magnetic electron isolation conditions and strong pressing of an electron layer down to the cathode already at the voltage wave front.

A compact submicrosecond, high current generator.

Pulsed current generator was developed for experiments with current carrying pulsed plasma. Main parts of the generator are capacitor bank, low inductive current driving lines, and central load part. Generator consists of four identical sections, connected in parallel to one load.