Pulsed Magnetic Field Ferromagnetic Microwave Generator

Engineering and packaging improvements to a prototype X-band nanosecond pulsed-ferrite generator are described. Project effort has included Investigations for increasing power output through the use of multiple ferrite sphere-resonator configurations Improved charged-line spark-gap pulsers for providing pulsed magnetic fields for multiple-sphere configurations Investigation of solid-state switch capabilities for replacing the spark-gap switches now required for switching the charged-line pulsers Construction and testing of the final, triggered, X-band generator with a suitably compact form factor. The final X-band pulsed ferrite generator uses a single YIG resonator and has the following features Triggering of the spark-gap pulser with PRFs in the range to 600 pps is provided The size of the charged-line pulser has been decreased by using a folded microstrip line construction The generator is housed in a 16 x 21 x 24-inch cabinet The generator is capable of delivering two-nanosecond RF pulses with less than one nanosecond risetime, and peak RF powers on the order of 150 watts in the X-band frequency range of 8 to 10 GHz.