Laser-triggered spark gap and Kerr cell shutter using a low impedance transmission line

Abstract

Kerr cells driven by 50 Ω impedance circuits are generally risetime limited due to the capacitance of the cell. Faster risetimes may be achieved with lower impedance circuits. However, the lower the impedance, the more reflections occur at the localized elements and the higher the electric fields in the insulation. These two technical difficulties have been overcome here for Z0=1.5 Ω and Z0=2.5 Ω characteristic impedance parallel plate transmission lines. An impedance matched distributed resistance provided a reflection-free termination for the circuit.