Thyratron Modulators in Plasma Source Ion Implantation Magnetized
Abstract
Plasma Source Ion Implantation (PSII) is an emerging technology which can be used to harden metal surfaces in a conformal manner. North Star Research Corp. (NSRC) is building a unique implanter system for Empire Hard Chrome which will be the first truly commercial implanter of this type. The choice of pulsed power technology for this application is important from the standpoint of both reliability and compatibility with the basic plasma processes under consideration. In this paper, we will evaluate the various possible pulsed power system choices including thyratron modulators, hard tube modulators, and crossatron modulators in the context of compatibility with the plasma and implantation process. Currents in the hundreds of amperes at 80- 100 kV are clearly found to be desirable based on the requirements of the process. This leads to the logical choice of thyratron/transformer modulators at lower average powers, or Crossatron modulators at higher average powers. We also discuss PFN design for thyratron modulators for the universal PSII-type waveform. A thyratron modulator was selected for the Empire implanter due to the requirements for low cost and high peak current.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA639544
Entities
People
- Jacob Scheuer
- R. J. Adler
- W. Horne
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory