Dielectric-wall linear accelerator with a high voltage fast rise time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators

Patent · Tue Oct 13 04:00:00 EDT 1998

OSTI ID:675860

Caporaso, G J; Sampayan, S E; Kirbie, H C

A dielectric-wall linear accelerator is improved by a high-voltage, fast rise-time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators. A high voltage is placed between the electrodes sufficient to stress the voltage breakdown of the insulator on command. A light trigger, such as a laser, is focused along at least one line along the edge surface of the laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators extending between the electrodes. The laser is energized to initiate a surface breakdown by a fluence of photons, thus causing the electrical switch to close very promptly. Such insulators and lasers are incorporated in a dielectric wall linear accelerator with Blumlein modules, and phasing is controlled by adjusting the length of fiber optic cables that carry the laser light to the insulator surface. 12 figs.

• Research Organization: University of California
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,821,705/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-668,669
• OSTI ID: 675860
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
DESIGN
DIELECTRIC MATERIALS
ELECTRODES
LASERS
LINEAR ACCELERATORS
POWER SUPPLIES
SWITCHES