Diode behavior for a 1.7 microsecond generator

The Pulserad 1140 (a 4 MeV, 45 nsec, 35 ohm generator) was converted to a 2 MeV, 1.7 μsec, 80 ohm machine by replacing the Blumlein with a lumped element pulse forming network. This generator was used to study diode behavior for microsecond pulses. Typical waveforms will be presented. The diode closure with a foil anode can be interpreted as a moving plasma front that reduced the anode cathode spacing. Experiments have been carried out to determine this closure velocity as a function of magnetic field and cathode material. The impedance as a function of time and magnetic field are also presented for a foilless diode.