A Marx generator driven impulse radiating antenna

APELC has developed an impulse radiating antenna (IRA) that consists of a TEM-horn-fed parabolic reflector that is directly driven by a 22-J, 400-kV Marx generator. The system is based on standard Marx generator designs offered by APELC. The Marx generator output couples directly to the TEM horn via a transition from a coaxial geometry that approximates a standard coaxial-to-parallel plate transition. Primary design considerations that facilitate achievement of high instantaneous radiated power include appropriate Marx generator rise time, transition design, and TEM horn focal point positioning. Data collected over the course of the system design is presented.