Generation of High-Voltage Subnanosecond Pulses with a Peak Power of 700 MW and Repetition Frequency of Up to 3.5 kHz

Abstract

Test results of a combined subnanosecond modulator with an output impedance of 45 Ω, which incorporates an all-solid-state high-voltage nanosecond charging device (with an inductive energy storage and a semiconductor opening switch) and a pulse sharpener with gas-filled gaps, are presented. The sharpening and cutting spark gaps filled with hydrogen at a pressure of 100 atm ensured the formation of stable pulses with amplitudes of –(180–200) kV and durations of ∼ (400–700) ps at a repetition frequency of up to 3.5 kHz. An average output power of 1.4 kW was achieved for the modulator's burst-mode operation with a number of pulses in a packet of 104at a maximum pulse repetition rate.