Use of Micro Plasma Based Transistors for the Development of Compact High Frequency Power Supplies

ABSTRACT: Pulsed power systems are utilized in several application platforms ranging from fuel reforming to biomedical applications. While significant advances have been made in development of solid state technology based power systems, the need for faster pulse rates as well as higher voltage requirements have resulted in a need for developing novel pulse power sources capable of pulsing at frequencies greater than 100 kHz and at voltages as high as 50kV. Lynntech, along with its STTR partner in Dr. David Staack of Texas A & M University proposes to develop a novel microplasma transistor based pulsed power system that is both durable and compact. The proposed technology will utilize specific instabilities related to plasma discharge to allow the proposed technology to achieve high current discharges required for real world applications loads. In Phase I, Lynntech will also fine tune the plasma discharge characteristics to minimize system frequency and thermal losses as well as package the proposed microplasma transistor technology into a ruggedized and military compatible platform. Once the scaled-up microplasma transistor system is successfully demonstrated in Phase II, further development efforts will focus on seamless integration and implementation of the plasma actuator across various military platforms in the Phase III. BENEFIT: Modern pulsed power supplies have been extensively researched since the 1960"s and in these systems, energy is accumulated over a relatively long period and then compressed in a short period to deliver very large power pulses to a given load. In this regard, pulsed power is an enabling technology that has allowed the development of several applications. Pulsed power systems can be used across a range of application platforms from charged particle beam diodes, and other primarily defense-related applications; to biological samples, water purification, removing effluents from combustion processes as well as environmental and biomedical applications.