Marx generator

About: Marx generator is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1276 publications have been published within this topic receiving 8970 citations.

Fast-charging Blumlein pulse forming line

Abstract: A fast-charging, discharge-switch-free Blumlein pulse forming line has been developed for high-voltage pulsed power generation. In the BL, a saturable charging inductor (CI) of amorphous metallic core is utilized and, as a result, fast-charging (charging time ≈220 ns) is obtained with a reduced prepulse. In addition, by using CI as a step-up transformer, the impedance of the output pulse can be converted to 4Z, Z, Z/4. By using the BL with a Marx generator of 300 kV and 1.1 kJ, an output of —580 kV at 24 kA and a pulse length of 60 ns are obtained, with a current rise time of less than 16 ns. The energy transfer efficiency of the line (output pulse energy/charging energy of a pulse forming line) is evaluated to be more than 92%.

The Generation of Lightning and Switching Impulse Voltages in the UHV Region with an Improved Marx Circuit

Abstract: This paper concerns the trigger performance of Marx circuits and shows the essential features of an improved circuit. It is studied how the introduction of parallel spark gaps PF and firing capacitors CZ in a multi-stage impulse generator can improve the trigger performance. Other advantages of the new circuit will also be discussed.

Decade quad design and testing status

Abstract: The Decade Quad (DQ) is a high power generator that will be built at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) in Tullahoma, Tennessee by the Defense Special Weapons Agency (DSWA). The DQ will consist of four independent command triggered pulsed power modules. The building at AEDC has been completed and has the capacity to accommodate up to four DQ machines for a total of 16 modules. Two full power modules (DM1 and DM2) have been built and tested to verify the Decade design at PRIMEX Physics International. Each module consists of a 5’70 kJ Marx generator that pulse charges a water transfer capacitor. The transfer capacitor discharges into a water output line through an array of six parallel triggered gas switches. The water output line then pulse charges the inductive store/opening switch pulse compression stage. When the opening switch opens, the inductive store discharges into an electron beam bremsstrahlung diode load. Two full power prototype modules have been built and tested into electron beam bremsstrahlung loads. Over 3508 mdchine shots have been taken on the two modules. The measured pulsed power and the radiation output performance from the single module has been used to predict the radiation output from the Decade Quad. The new machine will be capable of producing 16 krads(Si) over a 2250 cm2 test area with a 47 ns radiation pulse width. A future upgrade of the Decade Quad is planned to provide the capability to drive imploding plasma radiation loads for soft (1-5 keV) x-ray production. A design sketch of the Decade Quad pulsed power configuration for driving a plasma radiation source has been completed. The Decade Quad circuit model has been coupled to an imploding load model to quantify the effects of the I x Mot voltage on the pulsed power system and to estimate the kinetic energy delivered to the load. A range of implosion times and inductances were assessed to determine the optimum low risk design configuration.

High current nonlinear transmission line based electron beam driver

Abstract: A gigawatt-class nonlinear transmission line based electron beam driver is experimentally demonstrated. Four experimental series, each with a different Marx bank charge voltage (15, 20, 25, and 30 kV), were completed. Within each experimental series, shots at peak frequencies ranging from 950 MHz to 1.45 GHz were performed. Peak amplitude modulations of the NLTL output voltage signal were found to range between 18% and 35% for the lowest frequency shots and between 5% and 20% for the highest frequency shots (higher modulation at higher Marx charge voltage). Peak amplitude modulations of the electron beam current were found to range between 10% and 20% for the lowest frequency shots and between 2% and 7% for the highest frequency shots (higher modulation at higher Marx charge voltage).

Laser-triggered low timing jitter coaxial Marx generator

Abstract: A coaxial Marx generator triggered with a UV laser pulse propagating coaxially through multigap switches is constructed. The Marx generator is operated at maximum voltage of 200 kV with a rise time of less than 10 ns. To trigger multigap switches in the Marx generator, the laser pulse is passed through fine metal mesh fitted in the holes formed along the central axis in electrodes of gap switches. Photoelectrons generated from the mesh part of the cathode trigger the discharge and close the switches. Timing jitter of the high voltage pulse with respect to the laser pulse is 800 ps for the case of single gap switch and 1 ns for the Marx generator with two stage gap switches. Since the spark path is always formed from the solid surface of the cathode instead of the metal mesh, the mesh part of the cathode is never damaged for a large number of shots, promising long lifetime of the electrodes.