500 ps/1 kV pulse generator based on avalanche transistor Marx circuit

Ultra-short pulse generator based on Marx circuit, whose switch is avalanche transistor, could generate very short pulse with high peak voltage. The ultra-fast rising-edge of the pulse is mainly determined by transistor's avalanche effect. On the other hand, the avalanche effect have negative influence on the falling-edge, which lead to the waveform unacceptable for signal processing. In this paper, we analyze the oscillation of the falling edge and proposed a method to optimize the waveform of the pulse. Experimental investigation showed that, by optimizing the charging capacitors, pulse width can be effectively reduced and the waveform of the pulse is more close to zero order gaussian pulse.