Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

A proper evaluation of the current diagnostics fielded in the inner-MITL region of the Z facility in 3D simulation models had not been performed until now. The evaluation of the current monitors has brought insight to their performance in a new view that has led to discoveries. The B-dot probe was the current diagnostic-of-choice since before the refurbishment of the Z facility [1] and until the development of the Inductively Driven Transmission Line (IDTL) current diagnostic [2]. Experimental data has shown that the IDTL can produce cleaner signals and it is more robust than conventional B-dots. Simulation (modeled using COMSOL Multiphysics) results have shown that B-dot based current diagnostics are susceptible to their environment and can aid or hinder their performance. An investigation of the calibration methodology, performance and improvement to the current diagnostic package for the Z facility at Sandia National Laboratories was the goal of the research in this dissertation.

SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525

[1] T. C. Wagoner et al., Phy. Rev. Spec. Top. - Acc. and Bms. 11, 100401, (2008).

[2] C. E. Myers et al, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 92, 033501 (2021).

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Electrical Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Edl Schamiloglu

Second Committee Member

Mark Gilmore

Third Committee Member

Jane Lehr

Fourth Committee Member

Eric Lang

Download

Share

COinS