Proto-I switching and diode studies

Conference · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1974

OSTI ID:4189112

Prestwich, K R; Miller, P A; McDaniel, D H; Poukey, J W; Widner, M M; Goldstein, S A

Proto-I is a 3 MV, 800 kA, 24 ns electron beam accelerator that is under development at Sandia Laboratories. It represents an initial effort to develop a scalable technology that is applicable to accelerators for electron beam driven, inertial confinement fusion studies. Energy is supplied to each of the two diodes from six oil-dielectric Blumlein transmission lines (PFL) operating in parallel. A Marx generator charges three intermediate storage, water-dielectric capacitors which subsequently transfer the stored energy to the PFL. The discharge of the PFL is initiated by the simultaneous closure of 12 triggered oil- dielectric rail switches. Data will be presented on the operation of these multichannel switches. The two diodes have a common anode. Cathode diameters can be varied from 10 to 60 cm. Results of initial diode experiments and comparisons with theory are discussed. Plasma filled diode experiments are also reported, indicating pinch collapse velocities in excess of 10$sup 9$ cm/s. (auth)

• Research Organization: Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, N.Mex. (USA)
• NSA Number: NSA-33-005306
• OSTI ID: 4189112
• Report Number(s): SAND--75-5803; CONF-751108--12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*ELECTRON SOURCES-- DESIGN
*PLASMA PRODUCTION-- ELECTRON BEAMS
700208* --Fusion Energy--Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Inertial Confinement Technology
ACCELERATORS
CAPACITORS
COMPRESSION
N70800* --Physics--Controlled Thermonuclear Research-- Thermonuclear Engineering & Equipment
PINCH EFFECT
SWITCHES