High Voltage Generation from Inductive Pulsed Power Generator Using a Marx Circuit and an Exploding Wire

Abstract

High voltage output up to 800 kV with voltage risetimes of 15 to 40 ns is successfully generated by a compact pulsed power generator (60×120×150 cm3) with an inductive energy storage system. This pulsed power generator consists of a Marx circuit, an inductor, and a thin and long exploding copper wire. The circuit parameters including an exploding wire are optimized for a high voltage generation, avoiding a re-strike of the wire. It is shown that the ratio of the energy in a storage inductor at the beginning of wire vaporization on the energy consumed during wire vaporization is essential in the production of a high voltage.