A compact, low jitter, nanosecond rise time, high voltage pulse generator with variable amplitude

Area of Science:

• High Energy Physics
• Pulsed Power Systems
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• High peak power pulse generation is crucial for high energy physics experiments.
• Existing systems often face limitations in jitter, rise time, or compactness.
• Command-triggered systems require precise control and low jitter for reliable operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact, low jitter, nanosecond rise time, command-triggered, high peak power pulse generator system.
• To achieve precise control over pulse generation for high energy physics applications.
• To integrate advanced components for enhanced performance and reliability.

Main Methods:

• The system utilizes a high voltage capacitor, a spark gap switch, and a 50 Ω load resistance.
• A pulse drive unit with a vacuum planar triode and avalanche transistors commands the spark gap switch.
• A trigger pulse control unit, using a 555 timer circuit, manages TTL (transistor-transistor logic) level pulses.

Main Results:

• The pulse generator system achieves a pulse amplitude adjustable from 5 kV to 10 kV.
• It delivers a fast rise time of less than 3 nanoseconds and a peak current up to 200 A.
• The system demonstrates a low jitter of less than 1 nanosecond and a maximum pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz.

Conclusions:

• The developed compact, command-triggered pulse generator system meets the demanding requirements of high energy physics experiments.
• The integration of a vacuum planar triode effectively reduces jitter.
• The system provides a versatile and reliable solution for generating high power pulses with precise timing.