Theoretical considerations for optimal positioning of peaking capacitor arms about a Marx generator parallel to a ground plane

The authors develop theoretical considerations useful in determining the electromagnetically optimal positions for a specified number of peaking-capacitor arms about a Marx generator parallel to a ground plane. It is shown that this can be determined by a conformal transformation. A parameter is defined and computed that is indicative of the effectiveness of the peaking-capacitor arms in shielding the Marx from the ground plane. The results of interest in connection with determining the hardness of systems to a nuclear electromagnetic pulse environment