Photon Initiated-Marxed Modulators

72761S03-I New modulator designs are required to satisfy the demanding klystron driver requirements for the Next Generation Linear Collider at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The modulators must be compact, robust, and efficient; generate reproducible pulses with precise specifications; be economical to build; and have low operational, maintenance, and repair life cycle costs. This project will develop compact, robust, and efficient Photon Initiated (light-activated) - Marxed (Line-Type) Modulators (PIMMs) that are designed to directly drive klystrons, thereby eliminating the need for large, expensive transformers. The PIMMs topology should provide the most compact and cost effective modulator design possible, while exhibiting superb versatility and reliability. Phase I will develop a requirements analysis, followed by a conceptual design for the PIMMs. Circuit models will be generated, component specifications established, suppliers identified, and costs projected. Prototype photon initiated switch assemblies and Pulse Forming Network (PFN) stages will be built and tested, and efficiencies will be determined. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The PIMMs should benefit nearly all existing and future linear accelerators, such as the Neutron Spallation Source. Moreover, PIMM modulators potentially could be used to achieve a quantum leap in directed energy, high power microwaves; and they also could be employed to generate X-Rays for anti-terrorism diagnostic equipment.