Neutron Transmutation Doped Silicon Carbide Switches

The International Linear Collider and other accelerator applications require fast, high voltage, high current switches that are compact, robust, and efficient, and that can operate reliably at high repetition rates and modest duty cycles for long lifetimes. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing Neutron Transmutation Doped Photoconductive Silicon Carbide Switches by leveraging the results of previous research and development efforts in photon-initiated silicon thyristor switches, vanadium-compensated extrinsic photoconductive silicon carbide switches, and modulator designs. In Phase I, prototype transmission lines and switches will be developed and integrated into scaled kicker systems, and their performance will be validated via models and experimental results. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee In addition to DOE accelerator applications, the market potential for advanced solid state switches should be excellent for both military and commercial applications. Military applications include directed energy weapons, high power microwaves, high power lasers, electromagnetic guns and launchers, and electron beam accelerators, while the commercial sector (particularly, the utility sector) could benefit from advances in radar, X-ray sources, etc