SBIR-STTR Award

A current multiplying circuit modification to PRS type x-ray simulators is proposed that increases the x-ray yield from a given bank by as much a factor of 2. The increased efficiency can be used to both reduce the size and cost of the next generation of simulators and to increase the utilization of existing simulators presently in the DTRA inventory. Anticipated Benefits and

Potential Commercial Applications:
The technology will hasten the realization of full simulation capability which will enhance the defense posture of the country. Smaller commercial variations will be used for lithography, x-ray sterilization and radiography of large systems.

This research address the present limitations of inductive energy storage and transfer systems used in various pulsed power applications. It particularly addresses power-multiplying circuits utilizing capacitor banks energizing a switched inductive store into an inductive load. Presently, such systems have overall efficiencies below 10%. The present research addresses this efficiency problem with a novel scheme that promises between 100 and 15 percent improvement. The dominate cost in such system reside in the capacitor bank and prime power. Thus, the expected savings are of the same order. In applications where the over all performance is related to some power of the load current such as radiation sources the projected cost reduction may reach factors of between 3 and 4%. In Phase I we performed a preliminary design of the switch physics and circuit parameters including tradeoffs in key parameters. Our design includes a discussion of techniques to increase current to the load and in minimizing adverse effects, such as instabilities. In Phase II we propose to work with national engineering laboratories to implement the new technology in existing pulsed-power devices. The technology will hasten the realization of full simulation capability which will enhance the defense posture of the country. Smaller commercial variations will be used for lithography, x-ray sterilization and radiography of large systems.