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Spark ignition engines of practically all types and sizes utilize ignition systems that can develop up to about 30 Kv for breakdown of the spark plug gap and typically deliver current levels in the range of 30 to 100 ma. Measurement and analysis of these systems show that the energy transfer efficiency is very low, typically in the order of one percent (1%) or less. Once the spark is formed, most of the energy is delivered to resistences in the transformer, spark plug wires and spark plugs. This operating level is adequate (but not necessarily optimum) for older and most modem engines, but will not meet the needs of future lean bum and some alternate fuel engines that require higher energy discharges to effectively ignite the adfuel mixtures 1.13* ' . To meet the requirements for increased ignition power and energy, ignition systems will have to be designed to operate at higher transfer efficiencies.There are two basic approaches to increasing the electrical eficiency of ignition systems. The f m t is to utilize peaking capacitors across the spark plug'. The second is to design and utilize a more efficient discharge circuit in combination with a low resistance spark coil'. A third alternative would be to u t i l k a combination of both. By the first method, transfer efficiency can be increased to nearly fifty percent (50%). By the third, transfer efficiency can be seventy-five percent (75%) or more. This paper summarizes the results of recent high power ignition experiments and related analyses, for socalled "breakdown ignition" conditions. The paper includes descriptions of both conventional system up-grades and a new higher energy system that features multiple drivers and an energy recovery circuit. It does not include analyses or experiments for arc or glow discharge conditions.

A review of Sandia Laboratories' program to investigate the feasibility of achieving inertial confinement fusion using pulsed power technology to produce focused electron and ion beams is presented. Recent results are discussed, including beam focusing, target interaction studies, and accelerator development.