TY - JOUR
T1 - Design and optimization of a compact, repetitive, high-power microwave system
AU - Chen, Y. J.
AU - Neuber, A. A.
AU - Mankowski, J.
AU - Dickens, J. C.
AU - Kristiansen, M.
AU - Gale, R.
N1 - Funding Information:
The authors wish to thank P. Appelgreen and M. Elfsberg from FOI, Sweden, for their support during the repetitive HPM tests. This work was supported by FMV, Sweden.
PY - 2005/10
Y1 - 2005/10
N2 - The electrical characteristics and design features of a low inductance, compact, 500 kV, 500 J, 10 Hz repetition rate Marx generator for driving an high-power microwave (HPM) source are discussed. Benefiting from the large energy density of mica capacitors, four mica capacitors were utilized in parallel per stage, keeping the parasitic inductance per stage low. Including the spark-gap switches, a stage inductance of 55 nH was measured, which translates with 100 nF capacitance per stage to ∼18.5 Ω characteristic Marx impedance. Using solely inductors, ∼1 mH each, as charging elements instead of resistors enabled charging the Marx within less than 100 ms with little charging losses. The pulse width of the Marx into a matched resistive load is about 200 ns with 50 ns rise time. Repetitive HPM generation with the Marx directly driving a small virtual cathode oscilator (Vircator) has been verified. The Marx is fitted into a tube with 30 cm diameter and a total length of 0.7 m. We discuss the Marx operation at up to 21 kV charging voltage per stage, with repetition rates of up to 10 Hz in burst mode, primarily into resistive loads. A lumped circuit description of the Marx is also given, closely matching the experimental results. Design and testing of a low cost, all-metal Vircator cathode will also be discussed.
AB - The electrical characteristics and design features of a low inductance, compact, 500 kV, 500 J, 10 Hz repetition rate Marx generator for driving an high-power microwave (HPM) source are discussed. Benefiting from the large energy density of mica capacitors, four mica capacitors were utilized in parallel per stage, keeping the parasitic inductance per stage low. Including the spark-gap switches, a stage inductance of 55 nH was measured, which translates with 100 nF capacitance per stage to ∼18.5 Ω characteristic Marx impedance. Using solely inductors, ∼1 mH each, as charging elements instead of resistors enabled charging the Marx within less than 100 ms with little charging losses. The pulse width of the Marx into a matched resistive load is about 200 ns with 50 ns rise time. Repetitive HPM generation with the Marx directly driving a small virtual cathode oscilator (Vircator) has been verified. The Marx is fitted into a tube with 30 cm diameter and a total length of 0.7 m. We discuss the Marx operation at up to 21 kV charging voltage per stage, with repetition rates of up to 10 Hz in burst mode, primarily into resistive loads. A lumped circuit description of the Marx is also given, closely matching the experimental results. Design and testing of a low cost, all-metal Vircator cathode will also be discussed.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=27544512238&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1063/1.2093768
DO - 10.1063/1.2093768
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:27544512238
SN - 0034-6748
VL - 76
SP - 1
EP - 8
JO - Review of Scientific Instruments
JF - Review of Scientific Instruments
IS - 10
M1 - 104703
ER -