HIGH POWER PULSED GENERATOR FOR F.E.L. APPLICATION AT CEA/CESTA

A FEL (Free Electron Laser) program based on a Linear INduction Accelerator (LINAC) is currently being developed at CESTA. At first, we studied the induction technology and particularly the High Power Pulsed Generators (HPPG) which are needed to feed the induction cells. The most important parameters are high voltage (>130kV), small impedance (2R), and high Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) (1kHz). Limtations of conventional power components, such as solid-state circuits, high-pressure gas switches, . ., have led us to design pulse generators using magnetic switches driven by thyratron charglng systems. A prototype of HPPG was built a few months ago and it is now able to work in two burst modes :