Speaker
Description
A 400 kV - 85 ns PFN-Marx has been developed. Based on an innovative design [1], named the “zigzag design”, the 16 stages of this generator, which delivers an open circuit output voltage of 720 kV, fit in a 650 mm length. For a slightly overmatched load (Zload = 100 Ohm), the output voltage reaches 400 kV with a rise time as less as 5ns. The inductance reduction associated to the innovative zigzag design, which allows this sharp rise time with no need for a peaking stage, is described. The 85 ns plateau duration of the pulse is given by the PFN construction of each stage, which is based on 6 ceramic capacitors (2.1 nF – 45 kV) connected within a strip line. The 16 PFN stages are housed in a 360 mm diameter gas pressurized vessel. Burst mode operation for a duration of 10 s at a pulse repetition frequency of 100 Hz is reported, for a resistive load and for the electron beam diode of a X-band relativistic BWO [2]. To reach further compactness, the BWO system is integrated on side of the generator vessel and a U shaped gas pressurized line connects both systems through a compact conical vacuum insulator.
[1] This design is undergoing the patent request "Générateur d'impulsions de haute tension" number 15 52131, filed on the 16th of march 2015 at French's national institute for intellectual property INPI.
[2] R. Vezinet, F. Lassalle, S. Tortel, J.C. Diot, A. Morell , A. Loyen, A. Catrain, Q. Saurin, A. Paupert; "Development of a Compact Narrow-band High Power Microwave System"; 2016 IEEE International Power Modulator and High Voltage Conference.
This work is supported by the DGA (Direction Generale de l’Armement)
