Short-circuit test data of a new 2-LTD-brick x-pinch driver at the Idaho Accelerator Center

摘要

We present the design and the short-circuit test data of a new compact, portable x-pinch driver developed and constructed at the Idaho Accelerator Center. This driver is an evolution of earlier concepts. Our final design is based on 2, "slow" LTD bricks combined into a one, solid unit and can be described by simple RLC circuit with 4, fast 140-nF, 100-kV capacitors that store up to 2.8 kJ. The test data reveal that the driver, when charged to 80 kV, can supply about 210-kA peak-current into a short-circuit load. The corresponding current rise time, 10-90%, is about 210 ns. Our driver contains no oil insulation, is very compact and portable, and can be easily relocated to conduct different experiments where the x-pinch radiation source is required.