Generation of Ultrawide Band Electromagnetic Pulse from Blumlein Pulse Forming Line

Abstract

A high voltage pulse generator was fabricated to radiate ultrawide band electromagnetic pulse. A coaxial type of Blumlein pulse forming line is employed to produce a pulse of high voltage (>300 kV) and short pulse duration (similar to 5 ns). A helical strip/wire type of air-cored pulse transformer was used to charge the Blumlein pulse forming line up to more than 300 kV. A peaking switch is essential to make the pulse rise time as fast as possible. Typically, the rise time is similar to 500 ps. The output pulse of the generator is radiated into air through an exponentially tapered TEM horn antenna. The electric field intensity of a radiated pulse was measured as a function of the distance from the transmitting horn as well as the output voltage of the peaking switch. The peak-to-peak value of the electric field intensity at 10 m from the TEM antenna was similar to 100 kV/m.