A high voltage piezoelectric transformer for active interrogation

2010 IEEE International Power Modulator and High Voltage Conference

et al. 2010

Compact ion and electron beam sources are potentially useful for many applications. Compact beam generators require both compact charged particle diodes and compact high voltage generators. Piezoelectric transformers are currently being developed at the University of Missouri to convert medium voltage at radio frequency to high voltages. Piezoelectric transformer geometries, including tapered and wedge shaped crystals operated in bipolar output mode, are being studied. Results demonstrating resonant properties of these crystals will be presented. High voltage operation, in excess of 25 kV peak voltage, will also be presented. Additionally, various voltage multiplying circuit topologies and crystal geometries are being studied to maximize the voltage output from piezoelectric transformer systems.

Section: Bipolar Configurationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Use in power conversion and power electronics circuits such as MOSFET and IGBT gate drivers has also been examined [4]. PTs have been used to provide high voltage for ozone generation, and studied for use in compact systems for active interrogation of special nuclear materials [5][6][7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High voltage production from shaped piezoelectric transformers and piezoelectric transformer based circuits

VanGordon

Gall

2010 IEEE International Power Modulator and High Voltage Conference

et al. 2010

“…Neutron sources have many applications including well logging and active interrogation systems [2]- [7]. In well logging, a neutron source is used to locate and monitor rock density and porosity in geological formations [2], [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrogen and Deuterium Ion Extraction From a Piezoelectric Transformer Plasma Source

Baxter

IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.

Gall

et al. 2014

A piezoelectric transformer plasma source (PTPS) has been developed as a plasma ion source for D(d,n) 3 He neutron production. This neutron production system is compact, radioisotope free, and can be easily turned ON and OFF. The PTPS consists of a lithium niobate piezoelectric disk in a differentially pumped chamber with controlled gas flow from an external source. The PTPS was previously characterized using a range of gas flows, extraction voltages, and aperture geometries to demonstrate its capabilities as an ion source. Ion current measurements are presented for deuterium and hydrogen gas at PTPS pressures from 1.5 to 8.5 torr, RF driving voltages from 200 to 400 V, and extraction voltages up to 2000 V. Ion current yields on the order of 10 µA were measured.

“…The University of Missouri is employing a step-up PT to generate and accelerate energetic particles [3]. The accelerator is composed of a RF power supply, a high voltage PT, and a field emission structure.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The University of Missouri is developing a piezoelectric transformer as an accelerator for an ion beam [3]. In cases where high voltage pulses are desired, discharges can result from a large electric field near triple point junctions [4,5].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Flashover prevention of high voltage piezoelectric transformers

Benwell

2009 IEEE Pulsed Power Conference

Wacharasindhu

et al. 2009

Piezoelectric transformers are used as step-up voltage elements in many devices [1,2]. The University of Missouri is developing a piezoelectric transformer as an accelerator for an ion beam [3]. In cases where high voltage pulses are desired, discharges can result from a large electric field near triple point junctions [4,5]. Due to the small scale of the device, conductive triple point shields are difficult to employ to prevent flashover. This paper presents an investigation of piezoelectric flashover prevention by thin film encapsulation. Dielectric material was deposited on the piezoelectric transformer both over the entire device, and at specific regions of interest. The dielectric was deposited by evaporation to eliminate gaps at the triple point. The flashover strength is evaluated depending on the dielectric type, thickness, and length. The mechanical loss incurred by the deposition is evaluated to determine if it hinders the motion of the transformer.