A 5KV, 3MHz solid-state modulator based on the DSRD switch for an ultra-fast beam kicker

A solid-state modulator is being developed at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory for ultra-fast broadband beam deflection. The modulator design is based on an opening switch topology that uses Drift Step Recovery Diodes (DSRDs) as the opening switches. The modulator provides nano-second length pulses into a 50 Ω load, i.e. a strip line kicker. The rise and fall time of the kicker is primarily determined by the switching characteristic of the DSRD and has been measured as approximately 1.5ns with a 5kV output voltage. A pumping circuit for the DSRD kicker has been developed to drive 200A through the DSRD with a 3MHz repetition rate.