Progress in Development and Applications of Pulsed Power Devices at the University of Texas at Dallas

Abstract

The generic concept for ultra-fast pulsers at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) employs a Blumlein based pulse forming system commutated by a fast switching device. Characterization studies of these pulsers have been extensively performed. They are capable of producing high power waveforms with risetimes and repetition rates in the range of 0.1-20 ns and 1-1000 Hz, respectively, using a conventional thyratron, spark gap, or photoconductive switch. In this report we have explored the pulser characteristics and impedance parameter space in our modulator pulse forming lines in order to develop a reliable pulser capable of generating intense ultra- wideband (UWB) electric fields with nanosecond durations for applications in the field of Bioelectrics.