Linear transformer driver: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:27, 16 May 2009

Revision as of 14:24, 23 May 2009

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A '''linear transformer driver''' (LTD) is an annular [[Series and parallel circuits#Parallel circuits|parallel]] connection of switches and [[capacitorscapacitor]]s designed to deliver rapid high [[Power (physics)|power]] pulses. The LTD was designed at the Institute of High Current Electronics (IHCE) in [[Tomsk]], Russia. The LTD is capable of producing high current, up to 1 megaamp (10⁶ amps), pulses with a risetime of less than 100 ns. This is an improvement over [[Marx generator]] based [[pulsed power]] devices which require pulse compression to achieve such fast risetimes. It is being considered as a driver for [[z-pinch]] based [[inertial confinement fusion]].

[[Sandia National Laboratory]] is currently investigating a z-pinch as a possible ignition source for inertial confinement fusion. On its "[[Z machine]]", Sandia can achieve dense, high temperature plasmas by firing fast, 100 nanosecond current pulses exceeding 20 million amps through hundreds of tungsten wires with diameters on the order of tens of micronsmicrometres. The LTD is currently being investigated as a driver for the next generation of high power accelerators.

Sandia's roadmap includes another future Z machine version called ZN (Z Neutron) to test higher yields in fusion power and automation systems. ZN is planned to give between 20 and 30 MJ of hydrogen fusion power with a shot per hour thanks to Russian Linear Transformer Driver (LTD) replacing the current Marx generators.<ref>[http://www.sandia.gov/LabNews/070427.html Rapid-fire pulse brings Sandia’s Z method closer to goal of developing high-yield fusion reactor], Sandia's press release (April 27 , 2007).</ref> After 8 to 10 years of operation, ZN would become a transmutation pilot plant capable of a fusion shot every 100 seconds.<ref>[http://www.prod.sandia.gov/cgi-bin/techlib/access-control.pl/2006/067148.pdf Z-Inertial Fusion Energy: Power Plant Final Report FY 2006], Sandia Report SAND2006-7148 (October 2006).</ref>

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