Compact, Efficient, Solid-State Flashlamp Modulator

John L. Matilaine; Walter F. J. Crewson

doi:10.1117/12.938048

18 May 1987 Compact, Efficient, Solid-State Flashlamp Modulator

John L. Matilaine, Walter F. J. Crewson

Proceedings Volume 0735, Pulse Power for Lasers; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.938048
Event: OE LASE'87 and EO Imaging Symposium, 1987, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

The Universal Voltronics type BAX-1.6-15,000-RC-LANL flashlamp modulator built for Los Alamos National Lahoratories in 1984 has proved a highly reliable unit. It has delivered over limo hours of failure-free service. This unit develops 15 kW average output power; it contains two separate PFN subsystems, each with 30 microfarad capacitance, charged to 1414 volts, which deliver 1000-ampere pulses to two flashlamp loads at 250Hz. The efficiency of the unit is in the 90-percent range. About one kW is dissipated inside the modulator. The entire modulator is packaged in a 4 ft. long, 2 ft. high, 2 ft. wide enclosure, and is water cooled. It consists of solid-state controls (shot counters, digital voltmeters, LED indicators), an SCR-regulated DC supply with water-cooled transformer, an SCR command charger and water-cooled resonant charging choke, and two PFN assemblies, each containing a 30-microfarad capacitor, an 1800-volt inverter-class SCR output switch, a pulse shaping inductor and a "simmer" supply to sustain the flashlamp discharge between pulses. Each PFN is mounted on a removable tray for easy service and maintenance.

Citation Download Citation

John L. Matilaine and Walter F. J. Crewson "Compact, Efficient, Solid-State Flashlamp Modulator", Proc. SPIE 0735, Pulse Power for Lasers, (18 May 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.938048

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available