This general purpose unit is designed to switch from a DC level to ground. The DC level is set from the front panel control and is typically adjustable to around 8.5kV. The unit also incorporates a return connector on the front panel. This is charged to the same voltage as the main output. It is not switched but does contain a capacitively decoupled 50Ω terminator. This is useful, for example, for permitting the pulsing of a pockels cell so as to avoid a DC field in the crystal. The unit also incorporates a remote enable connection so that the HT can be remotely enabled. This would be useful perhaps if connected to a flash lamp charging supply, enabling the HT to be on the pockels cell only when necessary.

This unit may be used to switch up to 8.5kV as a single edge but there are many configurations that permit it to be used as a pulse generator at half this voltage. Higher voltages may be available.

 

Specification of Q switch driver:-

• Output voltage 2.5 to 8.5kV adjustable via front panel lockable multi-turn pot. with voltage readout onto a backlit (with brightness control) LCD display.
• Rise time into a 60pF load at the end of 1 meter of cable approx. <5ns.
• Universal Mains supply via filtered switched IEC input connector, estimated average power consumption around 10 watts.
• TTL trigger input terminated with approx. 50Ω
• Monitor/synch. output approx. 5 volts into 50Ω
• Enable input with LED indicator (Lemo connector on rear panel)
• Manual trigger button
• Jitter, less than 100ps with a fast trigger signal.
• Internal rate generator, 1 to 100Hz, via front panel multi-turn pot and switch.
• Internal delay less than 40ns.
• Maximum repetition 200Hz for small capacitive loads.
• Trigger indicator LED
• Main 'ON' indicator on front panel, mains switch on rear panel with mains input.
• Connectors:-
• Main pulse - BNC Safe High Voltage.
• Trigger, synch - BNC
• Mains - IEC
• dimensions 235mm wide, 265mm deep over knobs, 141mm high including feet.