AWA RF mdulator upgrade using solid state thyratron replacement

The recently built 12us long pulse RF modulator at Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA) facility was having many performance problems until the thyratron used in the modulators were replaced with pulsed power solid state switches. Detail of both the problems experienced with the thyratrons and the results of successful upgrade with solid state switches are presented in this paper. The design of the solid state switches will also be discussed.