Green Mountain Radio Research Company — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: Accelerators used in synchrotron light sources require megawatts of radio-frequency energy

Description

Accelerators used in synchrotron light sources require megawatts of radio-frequency energy. They currently employ vacuum-tube power amplifiers or conventional solid-state amplifiers that are inefficient and therefore consume a great deal of prime electrical power. We will review available transistors, analyze high-efficiency power-amplifier techniques, and experimentally evaluate candidate amplifiers. We will then synthesize an approach for a high power high-efficiency amplifier system that can meet the needs of DoE synchrotron light sources such as the Argonne APS and other accelerators.Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The amplifiers developed under this grant can be adapted for use in military communication and jamming, high-field magnetic-resonance imaging, digital-television (HDTV) transmitters, and new applications in the bands vacated by analog television. The proposed amplifiers will significantly reduce the amount of prime power used by DoE accelerators, resulting in reduced operating cost, importation of foreign petroleum, pollution, and green-house gas emissions.