The Miniature Inductive Adder, an All Solid-State Pulsed Power Modulator for HIF

First Point Scientific November 8, 1996 40031 The potential of thermonuclear fusion as a source of abundant, low cost energy has long been recognized. As a fusion driver, a heavy-ion accelerator offers the advantages of efficient target coupling, high reliability, and long-standoff focusing. This project will develop a solid state pulse modulator, the Miniature Inductive Adder (MIA), capable of delivering high voltage output pulses to drive an induction accelerator cell. In Phase I, feasibility will be demonstrated by: (1) designing, constructing and experimentally optimizing a MIA test module, (2) assembling and testing a five-module MIA to demonstrate the fundamental characteristics of the Phase II device; and (3) developing the conceptual design for a prototype MIA modulator to be constructed ant demonstrated in Phase II. In Phase II, a full-scale MIA modulator for a heavy ion fusion recirculating induction accelerator will be developed and demonstrated. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: The solid-state pulsed power modulator should substantially improve the current state of the art in high power electrical pulse generation. Applications include both recirculating and linear induction accelerators, lasers, plasma discharges and microwave generators.