Sirius I Prototype: A Prime-Power Source for Future 1 – 10 GJ Fusion-Yield Experiments

We have designed, assembled, and tested a prototype coaxial impedance-matched Marx generator (IMG). An IMG is a pulsed-power device that achieves electromagnetic-power amplification by triggered emission of radiation. Hence an IMG is a pulsed-power analog of a laser, with an energy efficiency of 90%. We have demonstrated that the prototype performs as predicted theoretically, thereby proving the IMG concept. We propose that a system of IMGs drive a next-generation pulsed-power accelerator that delivers 90 MA to a physics load. Such a machine would attain thermonuclear-fusion yields as high as 1 – 10 GJ and revolutionize high energy-density-physics experiments in support of the national-security mission. A brief overview of the Sirius designs, operations and results are provided here with more in-depth treatment with additional figures and tables provided in the companion PPC2023 conference presentation.