Development and Simulation of a Compact Picosecond Pulse Generator Based on Avalanche Transistorized Marx Circuit and Microstrip Transmission Theory

The new biological effect of picosecond pulsed electric fields (psPEFs) has elicited the interest of researchers. A pulse generator based on an avalanche transistorized Marx circuit has been proposed. However, the problem of reflection in the transmission of the generated picosecond pulse based on this circuit has not received much attention and remains unresolved. In this paper, a compact picosecond pulse generator based on microstrip transmission theory was developed. A partial matching model based on microstrip transmission line theory was also proposed to eliminate reflection, and a series inductor was utilized to optimize pulse waveform. Through simulation studies and preliminary experimental tests, a pulse optimized with 1015 V amplitude, 620-ps width, and 10-kHz high stability repetition rate was generated. This pulse generator can be used with microelectrodes in cell experiments to explore the biological effect mechanism of psPEF.