A trigger source for linear transformer driver

Abstract

A repetitive low jitter trigger source applied in triggering the multi-gap gas switch of the linear transformer driver (LTD) stage, is designed and developed in this paper.The pulse source based on fast Marx topology can repetitively output a low jitter high voltage pulse into a 50 Ω resistance load with peak value of 150 kV, rising time of 7 ns, width of 260 ns and rep-rate 0.1 Hz. Proper design of stray capacitance to peak the output pulse and employing the UV light to pre-ionize each consequent stage gap to reduce the switch delay time and jitter have been proposed. All those have been demonstrated feasible and reliable. A software program control unit has been developed for operation and control of fast Marx generator. The software gives full remote control by a computer via optical fiber communication. The experimental results show that the trigger source can continuously and reliably generate a 150 kV/260 ns pulse into a resistive load every 10 s with 1-σ jitter less than 2.7 ns. The trigger source is compact and portable and agrees well with the trigger demands of LTD for new fusion energy.