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A high voltage pulsed power supply for capillary discharge waveguide applications
S Abuazoum1, S M Wiggins, R C Issac
1Department of Physics, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0NG, United Kingdom.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|July 5, 2011
Summary
We developed a stable, solid-state pulsed power supply for creating plasma in capillary waveguides. This technology is vital for advanced laser-plasma experiments, including laser wakefield accelerators.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Pulsed Power Systems
- Accelerator Technology
Background:
- Stable plasma formation in capillary discharge waveguides is essential for laser-plasma interaction experiments.
- Existing pulsed power supplies face challenges in achieving the required stability and performance.
- Capillary waveguides serve as crucial plasma channels for applications like laser wakefield accelerators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an all solid-state, high voltage pulsed power supply designed for inducing stable plasma formation.
- To characterize the performance of the pulser in generating high-density plasma within gas-filled capillary waveguides.
- To demonstrate the suitability of the developed system for advanced laser-plasma applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transistor switching and wound transmission line transformer technology for the pulser design.
- Employed a gas-filled capillary discharge waveguide (40 mm length, 265 μm diameter) with a backing pressure of 100 mbar.
- Measured voltage pulse risetime, breakdown voltage, peak current, and temporal jitter of the current pulse.
Main Results:
- Achieved stable plasma formation with a density of approximately 10^18 cm^-3.
- Initiated breakdown at 13 kV with a fast voltage pulse risetime of 95 ns.
- Observed a peak current of ~280 A, indicating near complete ionization, and a low r.m.s. temporal jitter of only 4 ns.
Conclusions:
- The developed all solid-state pulsed power supply reliably induces stable, high-density plasma formation in capillary waveguides.
- The pulser's performance, characterized by fast risetime and low jitter, meets the stringent requirements for laser-plasma interaction experiments.
- This technology enables the deployment of capillary waveguides as effective plasma channels for applications such as laser wakefield accelerators.
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