High-current pulsed power generator ASO-X using inductive voltage adder and inductive energy storage system

A novel pulsed power generator using inductive voltage adder technology has been put into operation in Kumamoto University. This machine, named "ASO-X ", is an inductive voltage adder-inductive energy storage pulsed power syst em. The maximum output voltage and current of ASO-X are 180 kV and 400 kA, respectively, into a short circuit load with a current quarter period of 1. 3 mu s. In order to increase the voltage and power and to decrease the rise time of the load current, a plasma opening switch is used at the output of ASO-X. Eight plasma guns serve as the plasma source for the opening switch in a circuit with a single triggered spark-gap switch. This system provide s a very fast current rise rate (3.6 x 10(12) A/s) and over 1 mu s of condu ction time of the plasma opening switch.