Pulse Forming Lines

Many applications require energy to be delivered on faster timescales. In this case, the circuit may consist of a high‐voltage generator and a pulse forming transmission line (PFL) controlled by a closing switch. The high‐voltage generator, such as a Marx, charges the PFL in microseconds and the output switch discharges the PFL into the load. This chapter provides an insight into mechanisms of transients in the PFLs as well as the equations required for design of various PFL configurations developed to meet specific requirements. It then discusses the salient features of PFL performance parameters such as electrical breakdown, dielectric constant, self‐discharge time constant, optimum impedance, charging source, and switching techniques. The coaxial pulse forming line can be used in a transmission line pulser. Blumlein PFL geometry enables the production of an output pulse into a matched load equal to the original charging voltage of the line.