Design Challenges in High-Current Pulsed Striplines

TL;DR

This paper discusses the design and testing of high-current pulsed striplines for the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility, addressing electrical, mechanical, and environmental challenges to ensure reliable operation over 30 years.

Contribution

It presents novel design considerations and experimental results for high-current pulsed striplines in a harsh radiation environment.

Findings

Prototype tests demonstrated effective high-voltage holdoff.

Clamped joint performance met design specifications.

Lorentz force mitigation strategies improved structural integrity.

Abstract

The Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) will produce the worlds most intense neutrino beam. Three series connected magnetic horns will require 5 kV, 300 kA, 800 $\mu$s pulses at a rate of 1.4 Hz to focus the beam. Connecting a single power supply to these focusing horns will require a low impedance connection measuring over 60 m in length. To meet the challenging requirements of connecting the horns to the power supply, this connection is engineered as a nine-conductor, high-current pulsed stripline. It must pass through a harsh radiation environment, be passively cooled, and have an operational lifetime of at least 30 years. This paper discusses mechanical and electrical considerations such as high-voltage holdoff, clamped joint performance, and Lorentz force mitigations in order to meet the specified requirements. The results of tests and experiments on several prototypes of key design features will be presented and discussed.