Accelerator Pulse Power Modulators

160 Accelerator Pulse Power Modulators--Diversified Technologies, Inc., 35 Wiggins Avenue, Bedford, MA 01730-2314; (617) 275-9444 Dr. Marcel P.J. Gardeau, Principal Investigator Mr. Michael A. Kempkes, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82358 Amount: $74,938 Linear colliders and accelerators used in high energy physics research require both high peak-power pulse modulators and fast opening and reclosing circuit protection devices of considerably higher efficiency than currently available. Existing vacuum tube-based systems are expensive to build, repair, and operate. Solid state devices have only recently demonstrated a capability to meet some high power switching requirements, however at power levels well below those desired. This project will address these problems by developing a very high speed, solid state pulse power modulator, building from an innovative insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)-based switch module prototype and existing solid state pulse modulators designs. These modulators utilize multiple solid state, switching modules configured to achieve a high voltage and current switching capability. Phase I of this project will design a full-scale solid state system capable of meeting required parameters and will build a working switch module and controller for this high speed, high power pulse modulator. In parallel, this project will evaluate innovative ways to maximize the efficiency, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness of such a solid state system. In Phase II, a full-scale pulse modulator system for demonstration and evaluation will be built. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This project will extend the capabilities of solid state modulators for numerous applications in low power materials processing, semiconductor processing, and medical applications to new areas where faster, higher power switches are required. In addition to future linear colliders for high energy physics research, applications would include radar systems, X-ray and laser systems, and ion implantation systems. _