The Closed-Loop, Amplifier-Regulated Driver, a High-Accuracy, Low-Cost Modulator for Heavy Ion Fusion Accelerators

60247 An inexpensive, highly regulated modulator will be required for the successful development of a heavy ion inertial fusion system. This project will demonstrate a closed-loop, amplifier-regulated driver as an induction accelerator modulator at parameters of interest to the heavy ion fusion program. Phase I demonstrated the efficacy of the closed-loop amplifier regulated driver, determined the limitations of this topology, and identified the optimal implementation of this technology in the heavy ion fusion program. This was accomplished by designing and assembling a bench top feasibility experiment, demonstrating waveform regulation with the bench top system, and developing the conceptual design for a prototype device. Phase II will focus on constructing and demonstrating the new technology on a major heavy ion fusion experiment at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. A closed-loop amplifier regulated driver will be developed that will correct the voltage waveform of the ion injector, which is part of the High Current Experiment, to meet stringent regulation requirements. This system will also provide well-regulated voltages of up to 200 kV at the head and tail of the ion beam bunch to correct for the axial defocusing caused by the intense space charge fields of the ions. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A novel pulsed power modulator should substantially improve the current state-of-the-art in high voltage electrical pulse generation. Notable applications include induction accelerators, microwave generators, lasers, plasma discharge devices, and neutron generators.