Numerical and experimental study of a coaxial pulsed power device for generation of XUV radiation

Most of the pulsed power devices use a transmission element between a capacitor-based generator and the load. In the case of our studies, a soft x-ray laser fed by capillary discharge, we have built a pulse power driver made of a four-stage Marx generator, a coaxial formation line, a self-triggered spark gap, and a coaxial transmission line at the end of which the capillary tube is connected. We present a numerical model of the electric behavior of the system, which allows to calculate the temporal evolution of the voltage and intensity in any point of the circuit, and specifically any point of the coaxial lines. Comparison with experimental measurements shows good agreement. The model can be extended to other configurations like radial or plate lines. It can help in the design of these lines in order to maximize the transmission of energy from the generator to the load. It can also be used as a tool for education purpose, since it permits to apprehend the electric behavior of pulsed power devices.