Note: Investigation of a Marx generator imitating a Tesla transformer.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Spark-gap Tesla transformers are crucial for high-voltage, high-frequency applications.
• Developing compact, robust high-voltage pulse generators is an ongoing engineering challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and construct a compact Marx generator capable of mimicking a spark-gap Tesla transformer.
• To characterize the performance of the developed generator in terms of voltage, current, and frequency.
• To explore potential applications of the generator in areas such as controlled spark discharges.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a compact Marx generator circuit.
• Experimental testing to measure output voltage, current, and frequency.
• Analysis of the generator's tolerance to circuit parameter variations.

Main Results:

• The Marx generator successfully produced radio-frequency pulses with voltages up to ±200 kV and currents up to ±15 A.
• The operating frequency ranged from 110 to 280 kHz at a repetition rate of 120 Hz.
• The generator demonstrated greater tolerance to circuit parameter perturbations compared to conventional Tesla transformers.

Conclusions:

• The compact Marx generator effectively mimics a spark-gap Tesla transformer.
• The device's robust performance and high-voltage output open possibilities for advanced research.
• Potential applications include the control and laser guiding of spark discharges, advancing plasma physics research.