A high voltage pulse generator based on silicon-controlled rectifier for field-reversed configuration experiment

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy
• Pulsed Power Systems
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Field reversed configuration (FRC) experiments require precise control of pulsed power supplies.
• Existing high voltage pulse generators may lack the necessary waveform control or triggering flexibility for advanced FRC applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a novel high voltage pulse generator for FRC experiments.
• To achieve precise control over pulse waveforms and triggering capabilities for pseudosparks and ignitrons.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) based design.
• Incorporated a critical damping circuit for waveform shaping.
• Integrated an electrically floating heater circuit for versatile triggering.

Main Results:

• Achieved output trigger signal rise times under 1 μs.
• Delivered peak output voltages up to 8 kV and currents up to 85 A.
• Successfully demonstrated triggering of pseudosparks and ignitrons, controlling the FRC experiment's pulsed power supply discharge sequence.

Conclusions:

• The developed pulse generator meets the demanding requirements of FRC experiments.
• The design offers adjustable output voltage and flexible triggering options.
• This system enhances the control and reliability of pulsed power supplies in fusion research.