New Concepts for Pulse Power Modulators

The international science community recently selected a superconducting approach for the next generation electron-positron collider. This machine will require nearly 600 high voltage modulators and power supplies, capable of driving the accelerator's L-band klystrons. The cost of these modulators and power supplies will represent a significant portion of the overall budget of the International Linear Collider (ILC). This project will apply the inherently modular capability of solid-state Marx banks ¿ a relatively recent combination of a traditional pulsed power design and modern solid-state switches ¿ to reduce the overall cost of the modulator and power supplies. In Phase I, a solid-state Marx bank modulator and power supply was designed, based on the design requirements for potential ILC klystrons, with the primary objective of minimizing both acquisition cost and total operating costs. A major element in the design was the optimization of energy storage and control in the modulator, in order to meet the klystron pulse fidelity requirements without very large and expensive capacitor banks. The cost-saving potential of a solid state Marx modulator for the ILC was estimated to 25-50%, compared to alternative architectures. Phase II will focus on the construction of a full scale, full power ILC Marx bank modulator, which will be delivered to a DOE laboratory for assessment and test with potential ILC klystrons. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the ILC application, the Marx bank modulator should provide a highly-cost-effective means of applying solid-state, pulsed power technology to commercial and industrial high voltage systems. Military radar, medical accelerators, high-energy X-ray systems for container inspection, and irradiation systems should directly benefit from the development of solid-state Marx bank modulators, which are reliable, inexpensive, and efficient.