Compact Marx generators modified for fast risetime

Traditionally, the 1.6-MV Marx generator offered by APELC operates at a charge voltage of 40 kV, an erected voltage of 1.6 MV, a stored energy of 260 J, and an output pulse rise time between 6-8 ns. APELC has developed a pulse conditioning system (PCS) that can be retrofitted into the existing MV Marx generator housing to improve output pulse rise time at a minimal cost of stored energy. The performance characteristics of the newly developed PCS driven by a slightly modified version of APELC´s MV Marx generator will be provided. APELC has also retrofitted its staple 15-stage, 33-J, Marx generator with a scaled version of the same PCS. Preliminary results of the scaled version of the PCS are presented as well.