Compact battery-powered 0.5 MV Tesla-transformer based fast-pulse generator

This paper describes a compact battery-powered high voltage generator, based on a pulsed resonant Tesla transformer, that produces nanosecond rise time pulses at voltages exceeding 0.5 MV. In addition to the Tesla transformer, the major components of the generator are a coaxial pulse forming line, a high voltage fast spark gap switch pressurised by SF/sub 6/ gas and an antenna. Experimental results confirm that the generator can produce ultra wideband electromagnetic radiation.