The driving technology for High Power Microwaves and High Energy Density Physics are pulsed power devices capable of generating high energy, fast rise time, high voltage, long pulse lengths that ultimately can drive HPM sources or HEDP arrays. Scroll down to see how the UNM HPM/HEDP laboratory is developing these pulsed power devices.
This single cavity is comprised of 4 'wings' with 3 double capacitor bricks- for a total of 12 bricks and a total capacitance of 1000 uF.
Fast Rise time, ~50 ns, High current near 300 KA and with a pulse length of 200 ns. LTD can be charged and command fire at various voltages
Triggered from our 100 kV Marx (charged to 10% of Max). The switch in each brick is triggered via capacitive coupling to Marx and is comprised of several rows of hemispherical electrodes
12 KJ at 11 ohm Impedance. Once coupled to water line transmission line will be able to drive long pulse High Power Microwave Sources such as MILO's and Magnetrons. Will also be used to drive HEDP loads
Marx generator is capable of various operating points. Z of marx is ~ 20 ohms. W can match load impedance via transmission line. 3d printed gas insulated switches.
Electrostatical designed to minimize arcing. Switch can be pressurized to 10's of PSI
Multiple materials used, dielectric testing and characterization to come up with optimum design
Marx is using a U-shaped topology due to the restrictions of the available oil tub. We are working on a larger contianer that will allow for a linear topology.
Modular- Additional sections can be added to accomodate peaking switches. De-Ionized water allows for compact long pulse capability
Adjustable and reconfigurable. System is made to be 'bespoke' for the load.