Megavolt nanosecond 50 kW average power all solid state driver for commercial applications

For commercial applications of pulsed power qualitatively novel facilities with a virtually unlimited service life are needed. For this aim we have developed an all-solid-state driver for an output voltage of 1 MV, a current of 8 kA, a pulse duration of 50 to 60 ns, and a pulse repetition rate of 150 pps. The facility consists of three modules, viz., thyristor charging unit, an intermediate magnetic compressor, and a high-voltage module accommodated in a tank filed with transformer oil. The dimensions of the high-voltage module, which weighs /spl sim/7 t, are 3.7/spl times/1.4/spl times/1.2 cub.m. The semiconductor opening switch (SOS) introduced into the driver output performs the function of a terminal power amplifier, by transforming the microsecond pumping pulse into nanosecond output pulse. The facility watt consumption is about 100 kW, the power delivered to the SOS is /spl sim/75 kW, and the design value of output power is /spl sim/50 kW. The design of the driver and experimental results are presented.