Performance improvements of the 6.1-MV laser triggered gas-switch on the refurbished Z

A 6.1-MV, 790-kA laser triggered gas switch (LTGS) is utilized to synchronize the 36-modules of the Z-machine at Sandia National Laboratories. The switch is ∼81-cm in length, 45-cm in diameter, and is immersed in transformer oil. The switch is pulse-charged from a 780-kJ, 6-MV Marx generator in 1.4-µs. Closure of the switch allows energy stored in a 24-nF intermediate-store water capacitor to flow into subsequent pulse-forming stage. The entire system (36-modules) generates a ∼70-TW at the present system operating level, but after near term improvements are complete, this level will increase to ∼100-TW.

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