A Linear-Transformer-Driver (LTD) with multiple self-triggered switches

Summary form only given. The LTD (Linear-Transformer-Driver), in fact a kind of Inductive-Voltage-Adder, is gaining importance with regard to transient plasma generation. A LTD is based on multiple discharge branches, where each branch consists of an energy storage capacitor and a switch. All branches are magnetically coupled, and discharged simultaneously for high power pulse generation.A major problem related to the conventional LTD is the synchronization of the switches in all branches within a short time interval. In this paper, we propose a simple method to realize automatic synchronization of the switches in all branches. We will first introduce our various topologies for very high peak power generation, such as a multiple switch transmission-line-transformer, and a multiple switch Blumlein configuration. Next we will describe the novel concept of a multiple switch LTD (or inductive voltage adder). This concept has been verified on an experimental setup with ten discharge branches. Each branch is composed of a 1.3 nF high-voltage capacitor and a spark-gap switch. It is shown that all ten branches can be synchronized automatically, without any external trigger circuits. When the setup was charged up to 19 kV, an output current of about 3 kA was obtained. The risetime (10-90%) and the pulse width (FWHM) are 37 ns and 65 ns, respectively. The basic principle of this technique and the implementation will be discussed in this paper.