Trident - A Megavolt Pulse Generator Using Inductive Energy Storage

Abstract : A megavolt level pulse generator, TRIDENT, has been constructed utilizing an inductive store as the primary pulse forming device. The 2.5 muH coaxial storage inductor can be energized with up to 500 kA obtained from a 500 kJ, 60 kV capacitor bank. Current interruption is accomplished using a three stage opening switch comprised of an explosively actuated switch in parallel with foil and wire fuses. The generator has been operated at the 410 kA charge level (70% energy) to produce 700 kV pulses with risetimes of 150 nsec. Energy has been deposited into a 7.5 omega resistive load at a rate of 5 x 10 to the 10th power w. Operation with optimized fuse dimensions and at full charge is anticipated to approach megavolt outputs at powers of 10 to the 11th power W. Future experiments include utilizing a homopolar generator as the current source.