Calculation of voltage available from polarity reversal of a superswarf x-ray machine

SuperSwarf machines deliver 30kA across a 5MV AK gap to power a high-impedance paraxial diode for X-ray radiography. In order to accommodate a positive polarity rod-pinch diode, which would offer greater radiographic resolution and contrast, the machine polarity must be reversed. This paper assesses SuperSwarf when run in positive polarity, utilising both electrostatic and transmission line codes, and identifies the areas of the machine which would require modification. Conclusions that SuperSwarf could deliver approximately 2.8MV into a 40Ω load, a 40% increase in power, with four mechanical modifications are drawn.