50-kV/1-A Sub-Microsecond Power Switch for Gyrotron Modulation

To enable fast and robust bias modulators for gyrotrons used in the nuclear fusion systems, GaNify LLC will develop a power switch capable of switching 50-kV and 1-A within 1 µs, without the need of series-stacking. This new technology will significantly reduce the circuit complexity and shorten the modulation voltage rise time. The new 50-kV power switch is based upon the demonstrated 10-kV gallium nitride super-heterojunction field-effect transistor technology. This project aims to take this technology to a new height by scaling the voltage and current rating to 50-kV and 1-A, through innovations in device design, processes, and packaging. Outcome of this project will inform the feasibility of pushing the voltage limit of solid-state power switches toward the high voltage regime.