The measurement and verification of parameters of pulse electromagnetic radiation generated by a large-radius ring current

Experimental and analytic studies of the generation and propagation of electromagnetic radiation due to repetitive current pulses of a nanosecond duration (peak power to 1 MW, current slew rate of 3.5 A/ns) are presented. The radiation source was a fine-wire ring antenna of large radius (ρa=1.4 m). The antenna was driven along its full length instantaneously within the time τ shorter than the time of wave travel along the ring diameter (τ≤2ρa/c). Parameters of the emitted wave were measured. The experimental data are consistent with the calculated emitted-wave parameters that take into account radiation reflection from the conducting walls of the laboratory. The efficiency of transformation of drive pulse energy into ultra-wideband radiation was found to be approximately 15%. A ring antenna driven by repetitive current pulses (within the time τ≤2ρa/c) is suggested to be used as a reference ultra-wideband emitter.