Cathode-follower RF system for proton synchrotron and compressorrings

A model RF system with a cathode-follower was tested in its two operational modes without beam. One was for a synchrotron, where the frequency was modulated at 40 Hz; the other was for a compressor ring, where a barrier bucket was generated. Contrary to a simple theory on the inherent instability of the cathode-follower, the RF generation was quite stable in a wide frequency range     

Current-Sensitive Nuclear Instrument

The radiation detector is by nature a current generator of high output impedance.

A current sensitive amplifier of low input and high output impedance can be devised for incorporation in a nuclear electronic system, providing a matched impedance at the terminal of the detector cable.

The amplifier output is given by i×Ai (i: detector current output pulse, Ai: current amp. gain), when the amplifier rise time (t _r ) is faster than the current pulse rise time. Meanwhile, when t _r , is longer than the current pulse width, the output should be defined by Q/t _r ×Ai (Q: detector output charge) in amp/coulomb units.

The rise time of fission counters, BF₃ counters, PR gas-flow proportional counters and inorganic scintillators with conventional photomultipliers is short and is even shorter in the case of fast photomultipliers combined with organic scintillators and semi-conductor detectors.

Thus marked improvement in signal-to-noise ratio can be expected from a current-sensitive system, and this has been proved even with a slow amplifier (t _r =200 ns), not to mention what can be expected with a faster amplifier (t _r <20 ns).

G-M tubes are inherently, slow, and combination with slow amplifiers does not distort the current pulse shape.

Current pulse transmission via. cable is more rational and easier than the conventional voltage pulse transmission. In the present study, G-M tube current pulses were successfully sent over a distance of 1 km without any preamplifier or pulse transformer.     

A low-power, radiation-hard gigabit serializer for use in the CMSelectromagnetic calorimeter

An integrated fiber-optic bit serializer and VCSEL driver has been constructed in radiation-hard complementary heterostructure GaAs FET (CHFET) technology. The serializer, which converts 20 parallel inputs into a high-speed serial output, consumes 60 mW at nominal supply voltage when operating at the Large Hadron Collider word rate of 40 MHz (0.8-GB/s serial rate). The integrated driver directly drives a VCSEL and provides 10-mA switched current and 5 mA of prebias. The complete digital optical link thus consumes 90 mW     

棒位探测器电源系统比例复数积分控制策略研究

单相逆变器在核电厂棒位检测系统中工作于电压源模式,其负载棒位探测器通常等效为阻感性负载,而阻感性负载连接至逆变器输出端不能稳定地输出正弦电压。为此,本文针对单相逆变器棒位探测器电源系统提出了一种比例复数积分（PCI）控制策略,并给出控制器参数设计方法。首先,基于系统的频域模型推导出电流环比例积分（PI）控制器和电压环PCI控制器参数解析式,并考虑负载参数对系统稳定性的影响。然后,设定期望的电流环和电压环开环截止频率和相位裕度,通过本文方法解析计算PI和PCI控制器参数。最后,通过MATLAB仿真验证了本文方法能够使阻感性负载下的单相逆变器得到稳定的输出电压与输出电流,且输出电流谐波畸变率（THD）<0.3%。该方法可以为单相逆变器棒位探测器电源系统控制提供指导。     

Numerical Simulation of Voltage Applied to the Gaps of a Planar Multi-Gap Multi-Channel Gas Switch

In the linear transformer driver (LTD) technology, the low inductance energy storage components and switches are directly incorporated into the individual cavities (named stages) to generate a fast output voltage pulse, which is added along a vacuum coaxial line like in an inductive voltage adder. To provide the theoretical foundation for structure design and ensure the reliable operation of the planar multi-gap multi-channel gas switches, numerical simulation of voltage applied to the gaps is carried out, taken into account a variety of factors such as working coefficient, triggering voltage, resistance of crosswise resistors, and coupling capacitance. Based on the theoretical analysis of development and maintenance of parallel discharge channels, simulation of voltage applied to the gaps was performed in PSpice program. The results of simulation show that high working coefficient, high triggering voltage, high resistance of crosswise resistors and high coupling capacitance are all beneficial to the increase of the voltage applied to the gaps.     

The VEBA Relativistic Electron Accelerator

The VEBA high-current, relativistic electron accelerator has been designed and constructed at NRL for application in the study of high-power microwave sources. To meet the requirements of this study, the accelerator was designed for operation in either a short (60 nsec) or long (2.2 ?sec) pulse mode. The short-pulse mode has been in operation for nearly two years and has proven to be an extremely reliable design. The design of the long-pulse mode is now complete and component fabrication will soon be underway. The pulse-forming network in the short-pulse mode is an unbalanced, water Blumlein with an output impedance of 9.2? The Blumlein is pulse charged by a 17 stage Marx generator which has a series capacitance of 29.4 nF. By transmission along a tapered coaxial line, the output pulse is transformed to 20 ? and the voltage developed across a matched load increased to a maximum of 2.5 MV. The proposed conversion to the long-pulse mode will require that the Blumlein and transformer sections be removed and the diode assembly be attached directly to the oversized Marx tank. The direct coupling between the Marx and the Blumlein will then be replaced by two, nested, water capacitors which are shunted by spiral inductors. When coupled in series with the Marx, this output filter will form a three-section, voltage-fed, Guillemin (type A), pulse-forming network with a characteristic impedance of 40 ? and a maximum output voltage of 0.9 MV.     

Numerical Analysis of the Output-Pulse Shaping Capability of Linear Transformer Drivers

Output-pulse shaping capability of a linear transformer driver (LTD) module under different conditions is studied, by conducting the whole circuit model simulation by using the PSPICE code. Results indicate that a higher impedance profile of the internal transmission line would lead to a wider adjustment range for the output current rise time and a narrower adjustment range for the current peak. The number of cavities in series has a positive effect on the output-pulse shaping capability of LTD. Such an improvement in the output-pulse shaping capability can primarily be ascribed to the increment in the axial electric length of LTD. For a triggering time interval longer than the time taken by a pulse to propagate through the length of one cavity, the output parameters of LTD could be improved significantly. The present insulating capability of gas switches and other elements in the LTD cavities may only tolerate a slightly longer deviation in the triggering time interval. It is feasible for the LTD module to reduce the output current rise time, though it is not useful to improve the peak power effectively.     

Impedance matching for repetitive high voltage all-solid-state Marx generator and excimer DBD UV sources

The purpose of impedance matching for a Marx generator and DBD lamp is to limit the output current of the Marx generator,provide a large discharge current at ignition,and obtain fast voltage rising/falling edges and large overshoot.In this paper,different impedance matching circuits (series inductor,parallel capacitor,and series inductor combined with parallel capacitor) are analyzed.It demonstrates that a series inductor could limit the Marx current.However,the discharge current is also limited.A parallel capacitor could provide a large discharge current,but the Marx current is also enlarged.A series inductor combined with a parallel capacitor takes full advantage of the inductor and capacitor,and avoids their shortcomings.Therefore,it is a good solution.Experimental results match the theoretical analysis well and show that both the series inductor and parallel capacitor improve the performance of the system.However,the series inductor combined with the parallel capacitor has the best performance.Compared with driving the DBD lamp with a Marx generator directly,an increase of 97.3％ in radiant power and an increase of 59.3％ in system efficiency are achieved using this matching circuit.     

Progress of the RF negative hydrogen ion source for fusion at HUST

Huazhong University of Science and Technology has developed an experimental setup of a radio frequency (RF) driven negative hydrogen ion source, to investigate the physics of production and extraction of the H− ions for neutral beam injection in nuclear fusion reactors. The main design parameters of the ion source are: RF power ≤40 kW; extraction voltage ≤10 kV; accelerator voltage ≤20 kV. This paper gives an overview of the progress of the ion source with particular emphasis on some issues. The RF driver and source plasma are analyzed and optimized in terms of impedance matching, plasma characteristics and power coupling. In regard to the simulation analysis, a plasma model based on the particle-in-cell method and a beam trajectory model considering beam stripping loss are developed to investigate the plasma and negative ions transport inside the ion source. Furthermore, a collisional radiative model of H and H2 is built for plasma optical diagnosis.     

Design of a New Type of Stub Tuner in ICRF Experiment

In the Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequency(ICRF) heating experiment,impedance matching is of great practical significance,because wide variations in antenna loading are observed within the discharge,in tokamaks operating in H-mode.A sudden decrease in antenna loading accompanying the L-mode to H-mode transition typically occurs on a timescale of a few millisec onds,as does the increase in loading at the H- to L-mode transition.Therefore,it is necessary to match dynamically in the transmission line between the generator output and the antenna input connections[1].A new type of stub tuner being developed utilizes the difference in radio-frequency wavelengths between gas and liquid due to different relative dielectric constants.The impedance matching can be adjusted in realtime in an attempt to track the variations in the antenna loading.Since there are no mechanically moving parts in the short ends of stub,the change can be more convenient and safe,moreover,it can withstand higher voltage without breakdown.this system device will be applied in the HT-7 superconductor Tokamak ICRF experiment.     

CSNS/RCS谐振电源系统输出特性模拟研究

对于快循环同步加速器谐振电源系统而言,负载磁铁、电抗器会产生极高的感应电压,实际工作中不具备测量条件。本文利用仿真软件,观测设备对地电压变化情况,验证电源与负载连接方式的合理性。此外,激励源为受控电流源,电源输出特性集中体现为输出电压的变化,在电感非线性变化不能忽略的情况下,本文通过搭建的仿真模型,寻找负载谐振单元内电容匹配方案,优化电源输出特性,并利用实际测量数据验证模型的可靠性以及分析的可行性。     

Theory on dynamic matching with adjustable capacitors for the ICRF system of ASDEX Upgrade

The coupling of electromagnetic waves in the Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies (ICRF) is an important method to heat magnetically confined plasmas. Changing plasma conditions, which originate from processes like L-mode to H-mode transition or gas puffing, vary the load impedance of the ICRF antennas. To optimize the power transfer from the radio frequency (RF) generators to the antennas and consequently to the plasma, as well as to protect the RF sources against too high reflected power, a system that matches (i.e. transforms) the antenna input impedance to the impedance required by the generator is necessary. At ASDEX Upgrade this matching system consists of two stub tuners for each antenna, which match the antenna impedance for a value preset before the discharge. The length of the stubs cannot be changed fast enough to compensate plasma variations even on the moderate timescale of the confinement time in ASDEX Upgrade. The use of 3 dB-couplers allows operation even with varying load, at the cost of a reduced power to the plasma.When adjustable capacitors are applied in parallel to the stubs, dynamic matching becomes possible on the tens of ms timescale. The paper describes first the calculation of the required capacitance using transmission line theory. In a second model a minimum search algorithm finds, for a given antenna impedance, the length of the stubs needed for matching, now including the initial values of the capacitors. For the chosen pre-match point in the Smith chart, the range of impedances around this point is calculated for which the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) can be lowered below a minimum value by readjusting the capacitors within their maximum and minimum values. The matching range is thereby significantly larger than without the application of adjustable capacitors, at least with a frequency of 30 MHz and 36.5 MHz.     

Analysis of dynamic matching networks for the ICRF system at ASDEX Upgrade

The ICRF (Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies) system, used to heat the plasma of ASDEX Upgrade, consists of RF generators, 3 dB hybrids, coaxial transmission lines, matching networks and inductive loop antennas. The maximum power achievable by the generator strongly depends on the amplitude and phase of the reflection coefficient. Hence, matching of the antenna input impedance to the generator output impedance is essential for the ICRF heating system. The coupling between the ICRF antennas and the plasma is subject to relatively fast variations (few ms). The changes are caused by the modification of plasma edge conditions, such as L–H mode transitions, gas puffing or ELMs (Edge Localized Modes). These variations change the impedance of the ICRF antennas. For optimal operation of the ICRF system, a continuous, and fast matching is therefore preferable. A MATLAB^® based simulation tool has been developed to analyse matching networks for the ICRF system at ASDEX Upgrade. The program is highly flexible, and can solve the matching calculations for different conditions and configurations of the system. The results are presented in a Smith chart.     

Power Compensation for ICRF Heating in EAST

The source system covering a working frequency range of 24 MHz to 70 MHz with a total maximum output power of 12 MW has already been fabricated for Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequency(ICRF) heating in EAST from 2012. There are two continuous wave(CW) antennas consisting of four launching elements each fed by a separate 1.5 MW transmitter. Due to the strong mutual coupling among the launching elements, the injection power for launching elements should be imbalance to keep the k||(parallel wave number) spectrum of the launcher symmetric for ICRF heating. Cross power induced by the mutual coupling will also induce many significant issues,such as an uncontrollable phase of currents in launching elements, high voltage standing wave ratio(VSWR), and impedance mismatching. It is necessary to develop a power compensation system for antennas to keep the power balance between the feed points. The power balance system consists of two significant parts: a decoupler and phase control. The decoupler helps to achieve ports isolation to make the differential phase controllable and compensate partly cross power. After that, the differential phase of 0 or π will keep the power balance of two feed points completely. The first power compensation system consisting of four decouplers was assembled and tested for the port B antenna at the working frequency of 35 MHz. With the application of the power compensation system, the power balance, phase feedback control, and voltage standing wave ratio(VSWR) had obviously been improved in the 2015 EAST campaign.     

Design and construction of a compact portable pulsed power generator

The low impedance compact pulsed power generators are considered as potential drivers for X-pinch based phase contrast imaging and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) source for lithography. The designed pulsed power generator should provide square-like wave on low impedance load (1-2 Ω) with current amplitude of 100 kA in burst mode. The pulse width of the current wave is 60 ns, and the rise time of the wave should be less than 30 ns. The dimensions of the machine are restricted to be no larger than ∼2 × 1 × 1.5 m, according to the specific potential application of the machine. We adopted a solution based on Marx generator combined with low impedance pulse forming line and V/N type gas switch technology to obtain the required high intensity and fast rise-time current wave. Special efforts have been made to reduce the inductance of V/N switch and low impedance load section, and thus to obtain fast rise time and high peak current, during both physical and mechanical design stages. The high power transient signal diagnostic system, consisting of a capacitive voltage divider and a metal film based current monitor, and the calibration of the diagnostic system are also outlined.     

混合模式低噪声3 kV高压直流电源设计

高压直流电源是电离室等核辐射探测器的关键部件。针对需要3 kV左右高压的电离室,本文研制了0～3 kV连续可调的低噪声、高效率、小体积及高稳定性的高压直流电源。该高压直流电源系统采用线性与开关混合模式设计,兼顾了转换效率与低噪声。核心部分升压转换部分采用线性罗耶谐振电路与高频变压器实现,保证足够低的高压电源输出纹波。罗耶谐振电路的供电电源则由边沿时间控制型超低噪声开关稳压器LT1534提供,从而实现了混合模式高压直流电源的设计。高压直流电源输出部分采用二阶RC滤波电路进一步降低了输出电压的纹波。实测输出电压范围为0～3 kV,静态功耗为0.4 W,3 kV输出时纹波为16.55 mV,由此可知该电源可用于低噪声的核辐射探测器供电场合。     

1 MV杆箍缩二极管辐射特性实验研究

依据现有的实验室驱动源能力建立杆箍缩二极管（RPD）粒子模拟计算模型,获得了工作电压为1 MV的RPD电参数特性及电子、离子时空分布特性,并设计了RPD实验装置。在1 MV驱动源平台上开展了实验研究,实验中采用B dot、D dot、热释光剂量片和SiPin二极管测试了RPD电流、电压、辐射剂量和光脉冲信号,分析了RPD电参数及X射线辐射特性。结果表明,阳极采用1.5 mm钨时,1 MV电压下1 m处辐射剂量约1 R,并得出剂量与电压Ud、电流Id的关系式D(R=1 m)=120U1.55d∫Iddt;二极管阻抗范围为26.4~36.7 Ω,空间电荷限制阶段平均阻抗下降率大于2 Ω/ns,磁绝缘阶段平均阻抗下降率小于0.5 Ω/ns;光脉冲宽度较电压脉冲宽度约缩短20%~30%,与电压、电流的关系为∝IdU1.55 d。实验测试的剂量和光脉冲信号结果与拟合计算式计算结果符合较好。     

Transient Radiation Response of Complementary-Symmetry MOS Integrated Circuits

Complementary-symmetry MOS (CMOS) integrated circuits were subjected to a sub-microsecond burst of high intensity ionizing radiation using 10-MeV electrons from a LINAC. The results show that, at peak doserate values of less than 8 × 108 rads (Si)/s, the transient change in output voltage of a CMOS inverter is small and can be attributed simply to the net junction photocurrent flowing at the output node. At dose rates in excess of 8 × 108 rads (Si)/s, however, a new type of response comes into play and the transient change in output voltage becomes very large, approaching the operating voltage. In some instances, this change can result in a non-destructive temporary latch-up condition. The results suggest that this condition is caused by a parasitic effect, namely the interaction of the P-well, the source-drain diffusions, and the protection diodes that constitute a four layer structure.     

Simulation and test results of low-order band harmonic filters to decrease resonance phenomenon in the KSTAR power system

The superconducting magnet power supply which supplies superconducting magnet coil (SC) with the power to generate plasma during a KSTAR experiment for nuclear fusion research is a nonlinear load. Characteristic harmonics are generally produced since it converts AC to DC using 6 or 12 pulsed operation. However, non-characteristic harmonics or inter-harmonics are generated according to output control characteristics. Also, 95% out of the power generated from superconducting magnet coil is reactive power. Therefore, harmonic and reactive power occurring during operation have some bad influences such as voltage drop, voltage distortion and decrease in power factor on the KSTAR power system, and reactive power compensator (RPC) & harmonic filter (HF) system which is able to compensate harmonic and reactive power at the same time was established and has been operated [1]. However, out of non-characteristic harmonics and inter-harmonics caused by output control characteristics of superconducting magnet power supply, the more compensation volume of the RPC & HF system increases, the more voltage distortion with harmonic expansion is caused by harmonics in a low-order band due to the parallel resonance in a low-order band between the KSTAR power system and the RPC & HF system. As a result, it has serious effect on the injection capacity restriction of the RPC & HF system, the unstable operation control of superconducting magnet coil, and the operation of main cooling facilities. This paper presents reasons of the resonance phenomenon of the KSTAR power system and suggests a design plan of additional facilities for stable operation of the KSTAR power system, and proves their effects through the simulation and test results.     

低纹波微型X射线管高压电源的研制

国内研发的X射线高压电源体积普遍较大,不适合微型X射线管的要求。针对微型X射线管的特点,本文设计了一种低纹波、小体积高压电源,其输出电压在0~-40kV范围内可调。电源的逆变电路采用罗耶谐振电路,并引入UCC2973控制芯片以提高其效率。在电源的升压部分设计了高频变压器、双向倍压整流电路,以进行两级升压。通过电阻分压后取样反馈的方式进行稳压。电路工作在线性状态,无开关噪声。测试结果表明,电源的输出电压纹波低于0.3%、稳定度优于0.12%/10h,可满足微型X射线管的需求。