Simple sub-50-ps rise-time high voltage generator

This article relates to the development of an ultrafast (nanoseconds–picoseconds time scale) compact system(s) readily applicable to the field of EMP/radiation, x-ray-induced nondestructive testing, plasma fusion (energy) experiments, bioelectromagnetic (food-drug) sterilization, drivers for x-ray preionized XeCl laser and similar applications. The present work shows that the Marx and the Pulse forming section can be integrated into a single unit. The stray capacitance present in each stage acts as a peaking capacitor. For a charging voltage per stage of <40 kV, the rise time of the output pulse is below 50 ps at 200 kV into a 100-Ω load. Work is in progress to extend the voltage amplitude to 1.6 MV while maintaining the relative pulse waveform. With a contemporary optical diagnostic technique it is believed that the present concept may achieve 1–10 ps rise-time pulses at a megavolt level in ‘‘smart gas mixtures.’’ In addition a solution for the classical peaking circuit has been obtained and presented in the Appendix.