Design and Optimization of a Fast Risetime Pulsed-Power Generator to Drive a High-Power Relativistic S-Band Magnetron

Summary form only given. One source of high-current relativistic high-power microwaves (HPM) is a relativistic magnetron that provides a low-impedance load that requires proper matching to a low-impedance Gigawatt pulsed power supply to operate at maximum efficiency. A Marx generator is one of the most reliable pulsed power drivers used to accomplish this task. UNM researchers are modifying a PulseradR´ 110A electron beam accelerator to produce HPM from a low-impedance relativistic magnetron. The Marx generator is the main part of the Pulserad assembly. A pulse forming line (PFL) in series with an oil spark gap and a vacuum-insulator interface is the preferred choice to transfer energy from the Marx generator to the low-impedance relativistie magnetron. This presentation describes the design and optimization of a pulsed power Marx generator to drive a high-power relativistic magnetron. Transient analysis and computer simulations are used to reduce the Marx generator impedance, to define PFL coaxial transmission line parameters, and to design the vacuum-insulator interface. This pulsed-power driver upgrade will permit studies of the UNM transparent cathode invention applied to a low-impedance relativistic magnetron. Computer simulations have shown that the new cathode design will improve the magnetron´s output power, efficiency and pulse length, and these simulations now await experimental verification.