Design of 1 MA linear transformer driver stage

The design of a 1 MA linear transformer driver(LTD) stage is introduced, whose current risetime is 100 ns. The stage consists of 48 parallel bricks, each of which consists of two capacitors (40 nF/100 kV) and a multi-gap gas switch in series. The 48 switches are triggered by 8 high voltage pulses (100 kV/50 ns) with each pulse triggering 6 switches. According to the simulation results, when charged to 90 kV, the output current of this stage is 1.04 MA, and the current risetime is 84.5 ns (0~100%) and 52 ns (10%~90%). Simulation is based on experimental data. Work conditions of the switches are similar to those in 100 kA-LTD stage which has been tested successfully before. The 1 MA-LTD stage will be filled with transformer oil to ensure safty when charged to high voltage.