Experimental results of a 330 GW impedance-matched Marx generator

Abstract

Impedance-Matched Marx Generators (IMGs) are considered next generation pulsed-power drivers because of their long lifetime (> 10,000 shots), repeatability (> 0.1-Hz), fast rise time (~ 100-ns), and high-energy-delivery efficiency (~ 90%). “TITAN” is a 14-stage IMG designed to deliver 1-TW to a 2-Ω matched load. In this paper, design, simulation, and experimental results for six stages of TITAN including its triggering system, air delivery system, and pulse shaping are presented. To achieve efficiency over 85% and maximize the capability of an IMG, synchronized triggering, reduced pre-fire rate, and pulse shaping ability are crucial. In this paper, novel engineering solutions are introduced, tested, and proven to overcome those challenges. 6-stage TITAN, powered by 102 identical bricks and 102 field-distortion-triggered gas switches, could generate ~ 600-kA and ~ 700-kV across a ~ 0.9-Ω matched load when fully charged to +/- 100-kV. In these experiments, 6-stage TITAN is tested up to +/- 70-kV charge voltage which delivers a peak power of 330-GW to a 1.2-Ω resistive load.