Pulsed power for a rep-rate, electron beam pumped KrF laser

A new type of pulsed power system has been designed and built for a rep-rate, electron beam, pumped KrF laser. The system consists of two independent 11.2-kJ generators, which operate continuously at 5 Hz and produce two opposing 500-kV, 110-kA, 100-ns flat-top electron beams. The system combines the spark gap prime switch/step-up transformer design from the AIRIX and DAHRT injectors, and the water pulse-forming lines/output switch/vacuum insulator design from the Nike 60-cm amplifier. The system is fully operational, with both sides operating together. One side has operated continuously at 5 Hz for 90000 shots. The paper describes the system and the results of initial tests, including electrode wear.