6 MV Vacuum Voltmeter Development

Abstract

A standard voltmeter designed for measuring up to 2 MV in vacuum was modified to operate at -4 to -6 MV, appropriate levels for measuring the convolute voltage during z-pinch experiments on Z. Field shaping structures are used to eliminate electron emission from the voltmeter grading rings. The voltmeter operated as expected during tests at -4 MV on the Mercury generator, indicating this voltmeter could work for the lower voltage range expected on Z. At -6 MV on Mercury, the voltmeter did not operate correctly, probably because of electron emission. Particle-in-cell modeling is consistent with the observed voltmeter response. An improved field shaper could extend the voltmeter operation to -6 MV.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA630218

Entities

People

  • Bruce V. Weber
  • D. G. Phipps
  • David D. Hinshelwood
  • Raymond J. Allen
  • Robert J. Commisso
  • Stephen B. Swanekamp

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Calibration
  • Electric Fields
  • Electron Emission
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • Generators
  • High Voltage
  • Measurement
  • Photoexcitation
  • Pulsed Power
  • Resistance
  • Simulations
  • Surface Finishing
  • Vacuum Chambers
  • Voltage
  • Voltmeters
  • Z-Pinches

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems