Crossatron (TM) switch development at hughes electron dynamics division (HEDD)

Crossatron TM Modulator Switch (1) (CMS) technology was developed at Hughes Research Laboratories (HRL) by R.J. Harvey and R.W. Schumacher. A number of experimental devices have been constructed and successfully tested (2-6) at currents up to 4 kA and voltages up to 125 kV. Switch performance scaling laws have been developed that accurately predict maximum parameters. Because of the operational advantages of the CMS in many functional applications, a program was initiated at HEDD in 1986 to further develop and "productize" this device, and establish production procedures. The prototype CMS tubes fabricated at HEDD have been denoted 8451H. Several of these devices have been tested. This paper will discuss the results of electrical tests performed on these tubes and also present life test data. Design tradeoffs and ultimate performance limits will also be discussed.