Fast Closing Switches for Lowj=edance Pulse Generators

The "Applied B"-Diode used for the pulse generator KALIF at the Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe needs uniform anode plasmas which should be established by a 30 - 50 kV pulse, duration 20 ns, delivered from a generator with an impedance in the order of 0.1 /spl Omega/. The pulse risetime should be in the range of 1 /spl Omega/. In order to meet these requirements fast closing switches with low jitter are needed. The paper reports on investigations of three different types of switches. Besides field distortion foil switches optically triggered semiconductor switches are qualified candidates for this application.