Development of a fast semiconductor-based short-pulse high-power source

24/05/2023

Context

High-power pulsed source technology currently experiences a dynamic development away from classical gas spark gap based to¬wards semiconductor switch based solutions. The advantages are spectacular, such as achievable pulse repetition rates up to the MHz range instead of a limitation to a maximum of several hundred hertz, readiness-o-demand, an excellent pulse-to-pulse reproducibility and ultra-long lifetime thanks to the absence of electrode erosion, pulse-shaping capabilities, highest reliability and easy scalability. The recent availability and continuous improvement of fast semiconductor switching devices, particularly also in the research area of wide-band-gap semiconductor technology, now opens the chance for the realization of fast semiconductor-based short-pulse high-power sources for applications in both the military and the civilian domains. In past studies an IGBT-based, inductively-triggered high-voltage switching module was developed at ISL [1]. A series arrangement of fifteen switches allowed switching voltages up to 18 kV and 50 kV by stacking three of these modules. However, the switching current was limited to 450 A, and the rise time was no faster than about 550 ns. In order to overcome the switching speed limita¬tions, current research focuses on fast SiC MOSFET and MOS-gated thyristor technology [2, 3] as well as innovative gate boosting techniques for further improvement of the switching speed.

Goals of the project

With respect to a planned replacement of the current classical gas discharge based pulse sources, the development of a fast semiconductor-based short-pulse high-power source of about 250 kV output voltage on a 50 Ohm load is targeted. A ten-to-twelve stages semiconductor source with a charging voltage in the order of about 20 kV to 30 kV per stage achieved by an array arrangement of a sufficient number of semiconductor switches, could be a practicable compromise between total stage number and hold-off voltage per stage. Rise times will require a reliable fast synchronized turn-on and turn-off switching of the fast semiconductor switches used.

The task of the PhD student will be to investigate the different electrical (capacitive, inductive) and optical methods for fast synchronized triggering of the semiconductor switching arrays for fast semiconductor-based short-pulse high-power sources in theory and experiment, to develop this semiconductor switching module and to design, realize and test a modular semiconductor-based source.

Candidate profile

- Master’s degree in Physics, electric engineering or similar discipline
- Interest in semiconductor technologies, measurement techniques
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Personal initiative, reliability, teamwork and communication skills

Benefits

- Ph.D. degree in engineering
- Interdisciplinary work experience
- International research environment
- Hands-on experience on unique experimental facilities at ISL

Localization

The experimental and numerical studies will be conducted in-house at the French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL).

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