An ultra-compact Marx HV generator

Summary form only given, as follows. This paper discusses the development and testing of an ultracompact, Marx-type, high-voltage generator. This system incorporates high-performance components that are integrated into an extremely compact assembly. Custom, low-profile, annular ceramic capacitors with coplanar extended electrodes provide primary energy storage, and are operated at 60 kV/cm stress levels. Low-inductance, spark gap switches are used for single shot or repetitive operation up to 50 Hz. They incorporate miniature gas cavities imbedded in the central region of the annular capacitors with field stresses along the gas-dielectric interface as high as 130 kV/cm, and thin body sections separating the energy storage capacitors operated at 500 kV/cm. Optimally shaped electrodes and insulator surfaces are used throughout, both to reduce electric field stresses in the triple-point regions, and to spread the fields more evenly throughout the dielectric materials, allowing them to operate closer to their intrinsic breakdown levels. Forward-coupling ceramic capacitors are attached across successive switch-capacitor-switch stages to assist in switching. Specially shaped resistors and inductors are used for charging and isolation during operation. These coupling and charging components withstand 200-kV impulses over their nominal 3-cm length. Pressurized SF/sub 6/ gas is used for electrical insulation in the spark-gap switches and throughout the unit. The pressure housing is constructed entirely of dielectric materials and is made up of segments that interlock with the low-profile switch bodies to provide an integrated support structure for all of the components, permitting operation in any orientation. This ultra-compact Marx generator employs a modular design that can be sized as needed for a particular application. Units have been assembled with 4, 10, and 30 stages and operated at levels up to 100 kV per stage.