A miniature high-power pos driven by a 300 kV Tesla-charged PFL generator

A pulsed power generator based on a high-voltage Tesla transformer charging a 3.8 ¿/53 ns water-filled pulse forming line (PFL) to 300 kV has been developed at Loughborough University as a training tool for pulsed-power students. The generator uses all forms of insulation specific to pulsed power technology - liquid (oil and water), gas (SF6) and vacuum, a series of fast voltage and current sensors, and is able to produce multi-GW pulses on a simple x-ray diode load. Recently, a miniature (cm-size) plasma opening switch (POS) using protons (H+ ions) has been coupled to the output of the Tesla-charged PFL generator, with the overall system constituting the first phase of a programme aimed at the development of a novel repetitive, table-top generator capable of producing 15 GW pulses for high power microwave loads. Experimental results demonstrating the performance of the POS in reducing the rise time of the input current while increasing the load power are presented, together with constructional details and diagnostic techniques. Future plans are outlined.