A Compact MW-Class Short Pulse Generator

A megawatt-range short pulse generator based on the diode step recovery phenomenon and the Marx generator idea is presented. This generator utilizes both opening and closing switches in one circuit. The proposed circuit is compact, light, and low cost and is driven by a low-power source. By using a three-stage Marx generator, the output peak power of 0.6 MW was obtained. The dimensions of the generator are 8 cm × 8 cm. Experimental measurements of the output pulse characteristics showed a rise time of 100 ns for a 16-Ω load. The input peak power was 4 W which showed more than 10
⁵
times increase in the pulse peak power.