Sub-nanosecond pulse generator and electron beam source for nToF application

This paper describes a repetitive pulsed power source capable of giving 50-100 kV, 2 ns, 10 Hz pulsed output with sub-nanosecond rise time. The main sub-systems of this pulse generator are air core based, epoxy insulated, pulse transformer, high pressure gas filled pulse forming line (PFL), fast spark gap switch and inductively isolated trigger generator. This system is coupled with an explosive field emission cathode. The generated beam pulses are collected by a suitably designed faraday cup with a proper impedance matching. The measured electron beam pulses are in the range of 30-100 A, 2 ns, 10 Hz. The comparative study has been done for the graphite cathode and carbon fiber cathode in this setup in repetitive operation. This source will be integrated with 1 MeV buncher cavity followed by 30 MeV LINAC for neutron time of Flight studies. Therefore consistency of electron beam generation is critical in nanosecond time domain as well as diagnostic of diode voltage and beam current also.