Pulse generator and systems and methods for using same

摘要

A pulse generator generates high voltage discharge pulses in a manner that may be controlled and monitored. Pulse generator operation may be monitored to measure characteristics associated with pulse generator operation and to produce pulse generator data representative of those characteristics. Pulse generator operation may be monitored by monitoring the discharge pulses produced by the pulse generator and/or the charging of energy storage elements within the pulse generator in preparation for a subsequent discharge pulse. The pulse generator data may be used, for example, to identify pulse generator wear or degradation, to identify problems with pulse generator operation, and/or to control pulse generator operation for improved performance. The pulse generator may also be configured and controlled to generate a high-voltage initiation pulse to initiate a subsequent discharge pulse while being contained within a relatively small form factor. The pulse generator may be used in spectroscopy systems or other systems using high voltage discharge pulses.

主权项

1. A pulse generator comprising:
discharge pulse circuitry configured to charge and discharge for generating electrical discharge pulses, wherein the discharge pulse circuitry includes leads for coupling to electrodes, and wherein the discharge pulse circuitry is configured to cause a voltage breakdown between the electrodes such that a discharge current flows between the electrodes to produce a plasma between the electrodes during a discharge pulse, wherein the discharge pulse circuitry is configured to generate each discharge pulse in response to a trigger initiation signal with a time delay of less than millisecond levels; monitor circuitry configured to measure characteristics of pulse generator operation including characteristics quantifying the discharge pulses generated by the discharge pulse circuitry; control circuitry configured to control charging and generation of the discharge pulses and to collect measurements from the monitor circuitry to produce pulse generator data representative of measured characteristics, the pulse generator data including discharge pulse data quantifying accumulated discharge pulses generated by the discharge pulse circuitry; and a housing including at least the discharge pulse circuitry and the control circuitry, wherein the housing forms separate EMI shielded chambers enclosing and isolating the control circuitry from the discharge pulse circuitry.