Using ferrite as a fast switch for improving rise time of IPNS extraction kicker

The Kicker system is used to extract beam from the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS). The Kicker consists of four identical pulse circuits, each providing over 3.8 kA to each magnet winding. The magnet length is restricted to the space between vacuum bellows attached to the ring magnets. This leaves 0.89 m for the magnet. To keep the voltage low the magnet conductor is broke up into 4, 1/4-turn magnet windings. Each pulse circuit consists of a Pulse Forming Network (PFN) that is charged to 50 KV. The PFN is discharged through a thyratron into a 6.3-ohm transmission line to one of the magnet windings. Our system has always had marginal rise time of around 100 ns. Although the thyratron switching time is much faster than this, losses in the transmission lines cause the slower response. By using ferrite to make a fast switch between the transmission lines and the magnet, the rise time in the magnet can be reduced. To make a fast ferrite switch, the saturation point must carefully be chosen. Parameters related to choosing the proper ferrite to provide fast saturation, at the correct current will be discussed.