Magnetically Insulated Transformer for Attaining Ultrahigh Voltages

Abstract

A high voltage transformer in which a high magnetic field inside a hard vacuum insulates against breakdown is proposed. The magnetic field is generated by electric currents in high field superconductors. Voltages up to 109 V may be attainable with such a system. A rectifier using high magnetic fields can transform the end voltage from ac to dc. The energy output at the terminal of the secondary coil can be extracted in the form of either an electron or an ion beam through the use of the field emission process. Potential applications include (1) high energy particle accelerators with beam intensities many orders of magnitude larger than in conventional accelerators or meson factories, (2) use in controlled thermonuclear fusion devices, and (3) continuous pumping of powerful lasers. The feasibility of the system will depend upon depressing the breakdown perpendicular to the direction of the high magnetic field.