Spiral Generator as a Compact Pulse Power Source for Sub-ns Pulses
Abstract
A spiral generator (SG) is a pulsed power source, which was invented in the middle of the previous century. SGs are relatively simple to build and provide a lightweight and low-cost solution for high-voltage (HV) applications requiring rise times of$10^{-9}$–$10^{-7}$s. In this work, we describe generation of current pulses of up to 0.8kA with rise time of$\le 300$ps using a sharpening spark gap at the output of a SG. The spark gap discharges the output capacitance of the SG to the short-circuit load. A simplified LTSPICE-compatible model for the experimental system is devised based on a recent SG model and shows good agreement with experimental results.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pulsed Power Technology Applications
Electromagnetic Launch and Propulsion Technology
Gyrotron and Vacuum Electronics Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
- Publisher
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Volume
- 54
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 606–614
- Publication date
- 12 January 2026