Nonlinear pulse compression lines concepts

Summary form only given. Previous work by this author has identified three key elements for optimizing the performance of NL lines. These include the superiority of resonant complementary lines^1,2 where i) both saturable inductances and saturable capacitances are used; ii) parasitic inductances and capacitances need to maintain a unique impedance relation with the individual stage impedances for highest efficiency; iii) there is an optimum number of stages for peak efficiency for any given power multiplication; iv) the quantity W*G, (the product of the power multiplication G by the energy compressed W is limited by the area under the non-linear B vs. H and the D vs. E curves of the nonlinear elements used; and v) the charge /unit area D_s in the saturable capacitors is the largest when photoconductivity³ is used for charge generation with many orders of magnitude larger than nonlinear dielectric Veractors, storage diodes and even one shot fuses.We describe the use of photoconductors as both saturable inductors and saturable capacitors in such lines and describe our present work with GaN based photoconductors and their potential as the key nonlinearities in compression lines in the sub nanosecond range.