An Efficient, Repetitive Nanosecond Pulsed Power Generator with Ten Synchronized Spark Gap Switches

This paper describes an efficient, repetitive nanosecond pulsed power generator using a Transmission-Line-Transformer (TLT) based multiple-switch technology. Within this setup, a 10-stage TLT and ten high-pressure spark-gap switches are adopted. At the input side, ten spark-gap switches are interconnected in series via the TLT, so that all the spark-gap switches can be synchronized automatically. At the output side, all the stages of the TLT are connected in parallel, thus a low output impedance (5 Ω) is obtained, and a large output current is realized by adding the currents through all the switches. Experimental results show that 10 spark-gap switches can be synchronized within about 10 ns. The system has been successfully demonstrated at repetition rates up to 300 pps (Pulses Per Second). Pulses with a rise-time of about 11 ns, a pulse width of about 55 ns, an energy of 9-24 J per pulse, a peak power of 300-810 MW, a peak voltage of 40-77 kV, and a peak current of 6-11 kA have been achieved with an energy conversion efficiency of 93-98%.

I. Introduction

Repetitive pulsed power techniques are under investigation for a wide range of applications. Now hundreds of possibilities can be anticipated [1]–[3]. in particular, repetitive pulsed power supplies have enormous potential in areas such as gas and water processing [4], sterilization [5], intense shortwavelength UV sources [6], high-power acoustics [7], nanoparticle processing [8], etc. Successful introduction of pulsed power in industries depends to a great extent on the availability of highly efficient and reliable cost-effective sources.