RF Accelerator modulator costs must be reduced while efficiency and reliability must be improved in order to build future accelerators including the NLC (Next Linear Collider). Specifically, rise and fall times must be reduced without increasing cost. We propose to use the technique of Pulse Step Modulation (PSM) combined with IGBT and/or FET switching to produce improvements in rise and fall time without increasing cost. With PSM, the faults that would otherwise destroy the devices are eliminated, and pulses are produced with superior rise and fall times. In Phase I we plan to investigate means of charging higher voltage (to 1 million volt) PSM systems that could be used for the NLC or other accelerators. A three-stage version will be tested, followed by a 50 kV, 500 A modulator section. The final cost of such systems will also be investigated.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This research is expected to have significant benefits in producing accelerators now used for cancer therapy, isotope production, x-ray inspection and a variety of other applications. This work will also impact power systems for military high power microwaves.
