Dispersion of Nonlinear Elements as a Source of Electromagnetic Shock Structure (Letters)

Electromagnetic shock structure in nonlinear capacitance transmission lines can be resolved, and the energy losses associated with shock propagation explained, by including a resistance in series with the nonlinear capacitance. This resistance is inevitably present as the circuit representation of the nonvanishing relaxation time for the establishment of polarization in the nonlinear dielectric. Karbowiak and Freeman have dismissed this viewpoint as "not tenable!" This is a rebuttal of that statement.