A PHOTOMULTIPLIER HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER-SUPPLY INCORPORATING A PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMIC TRANSFORMER

We describe a photomultiplier high voltage power supply in which the t ransformer, conventionally implemented with a magnetic core, is built with a non-magnetic piezoelectric ceramic. As this ''ceramic transform er'' leaks no flux and can suitably operate in the presence of a stron g magnetic field, it is attractive for use in high energy physics expe riments requiring high voltage generation under such fields. In additi on, the ceramic transformer suffers low loss of power and demonstrates highly efficient energy conversion.