High-Power Plasma Switch for 11.4 GHZ Microwave Pulse Compressor

65073 Continued progress in high-energy physics demands a new generation electron-positron collider, which in turn requires a new high-power, high-efficiency radio frequency (rf) source. The high peak rf power needed can only be generated using an rf pulse compressor. This project will develop a plasma switch to create an 11.4 GHz pulse with at least 0.5 GW peak power, along with novel microwave circuits capable of storing and releasing the large stored energy pulses on command. Phase I developed new designs for plasma switches at 11.4 GHz, using high-pressure gas discharge plasma tubes. Two highly promising rf pulse compressor concepts were analyzed, built, and tested at low rf power levels. Both concepts involve rf energy storage in one cavity mode (TE-02) and energy release in a second (TE-01), with scattering from one mode to the other brought about by activating plasma switches. High-vacuum, high-power prototypes of the two dual-mode rf pulse compressors employing plasma switches will be designed, built, and tested. A two-channel version of the most successful version will be built and tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In a future linear collider, several thousand high-power, high-efficiency microwave sources will be required. The adaption of active pulse compressors for use with the sources would represent a potential $50 million business opportunity. Active pulse compressors may allow savings over more conventional passive compressors since a high power compression ratio can be obtained using shorter waveguide storage elements.