Miniature, Solid-State, Kilovolt, Nanosecond Pulse Generator with Variable Pulse-Width, Pulse-Polarity, and Pulse Frequency

This paper introduces a novel circuit based on two counter-pulsing Marx generators to produce high voltage, low energy pulses with low ns pulse rise and fall times, and variable pulse width, pulse polarity, and pulse frequency. Miniature surface mount device components are used to minimize stray inductance, and high current avalanche transistors serve as over-voltage triggered closing switches. To facilitate proper operation, both Marx generators are isolated by a closing switch with proper breakdown voltage, such that breakdown only occurs at a voltage that is larger than the output voltage of any single Marx generator. This paper discusses the basic idea, introduces the general circuit topology, and shows results for the single-sided output for various resistive loads down to a few ohms, and results of the dual-sided output for various pulse-widths down to a few 10"9 seconds.