A Graded-Conductivity Dielectric for Mitigation of Breakdown in a Pulse-Forming Line

Abstract

This paper reports our findings on the computational study of a multi-layer dielectric used in a parallel-plate Blumlein pulse-forming line. This technique is explored with an aim of lowering the electric field inside the line and thus reducing the probability of breakdown. Using stepped transition of conductivity, we explore what distributions and values of conductivity are beneficial for this goal yet without degrading the overall performance of the line.