Compact, mega-volt, rep-rated Marx generators

A concept for compact, megavolt Marx generators has been developed, resulting in several functional designs which are approximately 1/2 the diameter and 1/4 to 1/2 the height of conventional units. The customized Marx capacitor assemblies utilize multiple windings which have been incorporated into a single common capacitor case. Spark gap switch electrodes extend directly from the external capacitor terminals, eliminating the need for additional buswork. In order to construct the Marx generator, two such capacitor assemblies are positioned directly opposite each other so that the electrodes line up in a vertical column between the two assemblies. More than 10000 shots have been recorded to date with a test system with no major system failures. The entire Marx bank, charging inductors, and trigger circuit are contained in a cylindrical gas vessel 30 in. in diameter and 22 in. in height, weighing approximately 160 lb