High-repetition-rate, short-pulse generator using a planar CROSSATRON(R) switch

Summary form only given. We have developed a high-repetition-rate, high-voltage short-pulse generator that employs a new planar CROSSATRON(R) switch to discharge a low-inductance capacitor array into a load. Typical pulse parameters are 20-kV capacitor-charge voltage, 50-ns pulse width, 20-40-ns pulse risetime, and up to 120-kHz pulse-repetition rate in bursts of ten pulses. The burst length is limited by the capacitor charging power supply, not the intrinsic characteristics of the tube. High-repetition rate operation is enabled by a new planar CROSSATRON switch that uses a flat cathode, anode and grids, rather than the cylindrical electrode geometry used in other CROSSATRONs. CROSSATRON switches are plasma-discharge devices that conduct high current with low forward-voltage drop at high speeds. CROSSATRON switches also feature rapid recovery times that permit operation at high pulse-repetition frequencies. In fact, when configured in closing-only applications, as in the short-pulse generator, a maximum closing rate of di/dt=10/sup 11/ A/s can be obtained with voltage recovery times of <100 /spl mu/s.