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Title: Vacuum-surface flashover switch with cantilever conductors

Patent ·
OSTI ID:873945

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.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by United States Department (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 6278239
OSTI ID:
873945
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English