Work

Reduction of electron losses with voltage prepulse in magnetically insulated transmission lines

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We present the impact of a voltage prepulse on initial electron losses in magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs). We demonstrate that introducing a modest 74-kV, 60-ns voltage prepulse ahead of the drive voltage in a 10-MA driver can reduce the electron losses inside the MITL by a factor of 50. This, in turn, decreases anode heating caused by these losses by a factor of 180. Finally, we briefly discuss the implications of this technique for the Z machine at Sandia National Laboratories and future high-current drivers.

Source: Physics of Plasmas

DOI: 10.1063/5.0274778

Authors: R. V. Shapovalov, R. B. Spielman, S. A. Slutz

Institutions: Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Sandia National Laboratories

Language: English

Topic: Pulsed Power Technology Applications

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Sandia National Laboratories