Magnetic insulation, power flow, and pulse power results on RITS-3

RTFS (Radiographic Integrated Test Stand) is an induction voltage adder designed by Sandia and PSD to provide 16-MV, 150-kA electron beams and other capabilities. Previous publications have reported on tests of a single pulse forming line and adder cell, including initial results of the effects of various degrees of non-uniform injection of current into the adder bore on magnetic insulation and power flow in the downstream MITL. Now RITS-3 has been constructed, consisting of three pfls driven by a common intermediate store; three induction cells, one driven by each pfl; a three-stage, 4-MV, 150-kA vacuum voltage adder; and an output MITL and diode. Here we report on (1) simulations of the three-stage adder using the MRC 3-D particle-in-cell code LSP that address the effects of injected current non-uniformities on magnetic insulation and power-flow both upstream and downstream in a multi-cell adder; (2) experimental results compared with simulations; and (3) initial performance of the RITS-3 pulse power.