High Efficiency Compact High Voltage Vector Inversion Generators
Vector Inversion Generators, VIG, were invented by Fitch and Howell1. The spiral-line VIG takes electrostatically stored energy and converts it into a fast rising high voltage pulse in a dynamic two component, one-step process. We present the results for a variety of units operating over a wide range of parameters. The highest voltage achieved in a single ultra-compact unit has been 500 kV in a device that is 8 inches long and 5 inches in diameter. Two of these units have been operated in tandem to produce a 1 MV pulse generator that failed after about 10 cycles. Finally, we discuss the range of loads that can be driven by this dynamic device in terms of the VIG dynamics and the RC time constant for the load.
Ultra-compact high efficiency multi-kilovolt pulsed power source
Single shot, high power, high energy pulsed electrical sources have been investigated over the years. Research has encompassed high energy/high power devices such as magnetic flux compression generators (MCG), as well as high power but lower energy devices like Ferroelectric generators (FEG) and ferromagnetic generators (FMG). In this paper, we will discuss recent experiments aimed at producing a pulsed electrical system consisting of a FEG, resonant energy transfer element, high speed switching, a Vector Inversion Generator (VIG) configurable as an oscillator, and a means to combine them into an efficient system that delivers maximum energy to a load at voltages in excess of 100 kV. In its final embodiment, the pulse generator will be on the order of 1.5 inches in diameter and approximately 8 inches long and capable of delivering a fast high voltage pulse (∼ 9ns rise time, 200 kV) at energy levels of “joules” to the load. In this paper, we will describe recent experiments to develop resonant energy transfer from the FEG to the VIG at high efficiency, the development of explosive/dielectric switching at kilovolt levels, and the explosive testing of prototype FEG/VIG configurations that constitute laboratory prototypes sufficient for modeling and simulation. In addition preliminary data showing high frequency oscillation for the FEG/VIG configured as an oscillator will be presented and analyzed in terms of possible antenna configurations and breakdown issues.
A slowly rotating coil system for AC field measurements of Fermilab Booster correctors
A method for measurement of rapidly changing magnetic fields has been developed and applied to the testing of new room temperature corrector packages designed for the Fermilab Booster Synchrotron. The method is based on fast digitization of a slowly rotating tangential coil probe, with analysis combining the measured coil voltages across a set of successive magnet current cycles. This paper presents results on the field quality measured for the normal and skew dipole, quadrupole, and sextupole elements in several of these corrector packages.