Fast Marx Generator development for PRS drivers

Design studies for a full threat simulator to drive PRS implosions to around 50 MA in 250 ns showed the importance of Fast Marx Generators (FMGs) with intrinsic discharge times (LC)/sup 1/2 / significantly less than the present state-of-the-art in large machines (e.g. /spl gsim/500 ns in the SNL "Z"). Energy, size, complexity, and therefore cost are significantly reduced, and the need for intermediate stages of power gain are eliminated as FMG discharge time approaches an optimum (around 125 ns for 250 ns implosions). We describe designs for 175 ns and 300 ns FMGs and specific components that are being developed for use in large systems. This FMG technology development builds in part on that of systems built by the USA DoD in the 1970s and 1980s, which are also summarized. This technology can be applied to either of the fast Marxes and to the LTD described by P. Corcoran et al. (see ibid., p.577-81, 2002) and to upgrades of existing systems such as the Z refurbishment.