A Pulse Generator for Short Megavolt Pulses with a Risetime in the Nanosecond Region

The design principles of a pulse generator using circular plate capacitors to generate high voltage pulses is described. The properties of such capacitors, discharged in the centre, are utilized to get a fast risetime whilst maintaining a flexible and compact design. The properties of generators with output voltages of 300 kV, 600 kV and 1.2 MV at load impedance of 40 ohms, 60 ohms and 120 ohms respectively, have been studied. The duration of the voltage pulse is approximately 20 nanoseconds.