Solid State Marx Generator

Abstract

This work was supported in part by DOE Grant Marx generators can produce high voltage pulses using multiple identical stages that operate at a fraction of the total output voltage, without the need for a step-up transformer that limits the pulse risetimes and lowers the efficiency of the system. Each Marx stage includes a capacitor or pulse forming network, and a high voltage switch. Typically, these switches are spark gaps resulting in Marx generators with low repetition rates and limited lifetimes. The development of economical, compact, high voltage, high di/dt, and fast turn-on solid-state switches make it easy to build economical, long lifetime, high voltage Marx generators capable of high pulse repetition rates. We have constructed a Marx generator using our 24 kV thyristor based switches, which are capable of conducting 14 kA peak currents with ringing discharges at > 25 kA/?s rate of current risetimes. The switches have short turn-on delays, less than 200 ns, low timing jitters, and are triggered by a single 10 V isolated trigger pulse. This paper will include a description of a 4-stage solid-state Marx and triggering system, as well as show data from operation at 15 kV charging voltage. The Marx was used to drive a one-stage argon ion accelerator.