A Vacuum Tube Compensated Flat Top High-Current Pulse Supply for Symmetrical Torus Machine

The conversion of the Model C Stellarator to a symmetrical torus machine produced a longer plasma confinement time. This, In turn, required a longer ohmic heating current pulse than could be supplied by the existing vacuum tube system controlling the total energy flow. A new energy supply, consisting of a high-voltage capacitor bank and crowbar coupled with a low-voltage pulse-forming network of electrolytic capacitors, has been added In parallel with the existing vacuum tube system such that the two are complementary. The composite supply is capable of producing longer pulses with a greater amplitude and, at the same time, permits modulation of the flat top.