Current symmetry considerations in the design of the Atlas pulsed power machine

Two factors that influence the load current symmetry of the Atlas pulsed power machine are analyzed to establish design criteria. Deviations in peak current among the 24 Marx modules providing current to the load must be limited to /spl plusmn/3.1% to achieve the goal of /spl plusmn/100 /spl mu/m asymmetry in the imploded liner radius. Current asymmetry may also be caused by azimuthal inductance variations in the disk transmission line leading to the load. Mechanical fabrication tolerances are presented that must be met to achieve the symmetry goals.