Pulsed high voltage and high current outputs from homopolar energy storage system. Memorandum report

Pulsed energy source with a versatile output, using self‐excited homopolar generator for the initial storage of energy, has been developed. Large energy storage of this inertial–inductive system provides an attractive option for satisfying pulse power requirements associated with such applications as plasma confinement and heating, electromagnetic acceleration of projectiles, and with production of intense radiation. These applications require high rate of energy delivery to the load at specific current and voltage levels. Megajoule output pulses, alternatively, at hundreds of kilovolts or at megampere levels, have been obtained by incorporating unique current interrupting system. The overall pulser efficiency, which depends sensitively on the load characteristics was measured over a range from 10% to more than 90% for different pulser‐load circuit arrangements.