US3248574A

US3248574A - High voltage pulser

Info

Publication number: US3248574A
Application number: US103796A
Authority: US
Inventors: Walter P Dyke; Frank J Grundhauser; Norman W Stunkard
Original assignee: Field Emission Corp
Current assignee: Field Emission Corp
Priority date: 1961-04-18
Filing date: 1961-04-18
Publication date: 1966-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 1983-04-26

Description

April 26, 1966 w. P. DYKE HIGH VOLTAGE Filed April 18', 1961 ETAL FULSER 3 Sheets$heet l IN V EN TOR S.

Wa/fer P. Dyke BY Frank J. Grundhouser Norman W Sfunkard Buckhorn, Cheafham 8 Blore ATTORNEYS April 26, 1966 w P. DYKE ETAL 3,

HIGH VOLTAGE PULSER Filed April 18, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 52 32 asmwi INVENTORS.

Walter P Dyke By Frank J. Grundhauser Norman W Sfunkard Buckhorn, Cheat/mm 8 B ore ATTORNEYS April 26, 1966 w. P. DYKE ETAL HIGH VOLTAGE PULSER 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 18, 1961 IN VEN TOR 5. Walter P. Dyke Frank J. Grundhauser Norman W. Sfunkard Buckhorn, Cheafham 8 Blore ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,248,574 HIGH VOLTAGE PULSER Walter P. Dyke, McMinnville, and Frank J. Grundhauser and Norman W. Stunkard, Lake Grove, 0reg., assignors to Field Emission Corporation, McMinnville, 0reg.,

a corporation of Oregon Filed Apr. 18, 1961, Ser. No. 103,796 7 Claims. (Cl. 307110) This invention relates to a high voltage pulser and more particularly to a compact device which will store a substantial amount of electrical energy at a high voltage and which upon being triggered will release such energy in the form of a high voltage, high current narrow pulse having a short rise time.

The pulser of the present invention was developed to produce pulses of the type described above for delivery to specially constructed X-ray tubes which can utilize such pulses for producing intense X-rays for a very short period of time, thus enabling X-ray pictures to be secured of elements such as moving projectiles or events such as explosions involving extremely rapid motion even though the element or event is in the interior of or behind thick members of metal or other materials. As a specific example, pulsers in accordance with the present invention have been constructed to deliver square wave pulses of electric energy at voltages up to 600 kv. with currents up to 2000 amperes and with pulse lengths as short as 0.03 microsecond and rise times as short as 0005 microsecond measured between 10% and 80% of the leading edge of the pulse and with very little overshoot at the beginning of the pulse or undershoot at the end of the pulse. Such pulses when utilize-d in an X-ray tube are effective to stop motion at velocities of 20,000 feet per second through three inches of aluminum or the equivalent at a distance of four feet from the tube.

The pulser of the present invention includes a plurality of similar energy storage modules each of which contains a length of transmission line which is open at one end and has its other end connected to charging and discharging circuits. Each transmission line is preferably made up of a plurality of artificial 'or lumped constant transmission line sections each including a series inductor and a shunt capacitor, since a greater amount of electrical energy can be stored in a given space than when natural or distributed constant transmission lines are employed although such natural lines in the form of coiled coaxial cables can be employed when very narrow and accurately formed square wave pulses are desired.

The modules of the present invention. are preferably plug in units which can be mounted upon an elongated support by plug in connectors so as to have one end of .the transmission line connected to spark gap members carried by the support. The spark gap members are arranged on the support to provide a series of spark gaps which, when broken down, connect such one ends of the transmission lines of the modules in a series onput circuit but which normally provide gaps in such series circuit to enable charging ofthe transmission lines in parallel from a high voltage D.C. source. The support also carries a plurality of inductors connected in a pair of series circuits with individual inductors connected between the spark gap elements of different spark gaps in order to provide a parallel charging circuit for the transmission lines while isolating such lines from each .other with respect to rapidly changing currents.

In a preferred construction the support is an elongated hollow member of insulating material closed at its ends. The spark gap members are arranged in two parallel rows along opposite sides of the support and project inwardly through the walls of the support. Pairs of such members made up of a member in each row are in alignment with 3,248,574 Patented Apr. 26, 1966 each other and have their inner ends adjacent each other to provide the spark gaps referred to above. The inductors which isolate the various transmission lines of the modules are enveloped in the insulating material of the support and extend in parallel rows longitudinally thereof between the rows of spark gap members. Electrical connections between the ends of the inductors and the spark gap members are also buried in the insulating material of the support.

The modules include elongated support members between which rigid capacitor elements extend. Such capacitor elements are rigidly secured to the support elements and the inductors of the transmission line are wound on one of the support elements. One end of each of such support elements terminates in a plug element which plugs into an exposed end of a spark gap element to mount the module on the support and make electrical connections between one end of the transmission line of the module to adjacent spark gap members in a row of such members. There is thus a row of such modules attached to the outer surface of the support on opposite sides of the support. The modules in the two rows are oifset longitudinally of the support from each other so that the transmission lines of the modules and the spark gaps form a series circuit. An output spark gap between one of the spark gap members referred to above and an auxiliary spark gap member carried by the closure for one end of the support is also provided at such end of the support is also included in such series circuit.

A cover is provided for each of the modules and is re movably secured to the support in gas tight relationship so that the interior of the support forms a closed pressure chamber in which gas under a pressure greater than ambient atmospheric pressure can be maintained. The spark gaps referred to above are all in such chamber and form a row of spark gaps in alignment in a common light path so that each spark gap sees all of the other spark gaps.

When one spark gap breaks down and a spark is produced across such gap, radiation emitted-therefrom causes the gas between all of the other spark gaps to be ionized so that break down of all of the spark gaps is substantially instantaneous. Provision is made for applying an additional triggering voltage across one of such spark gaps when the transmission lines have been charged to break down such spark gap and cause discharge of all of the transmission lines through an output circuit.

, It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved high voltage high current pulser capable of producing narrow and intense square wave pulses of electric energy.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coinpact pulse forming device in which a plurality of similar modules including open ended transmission lines are mounted upon a support and connected to be charged in parallel from a high voltage D.C. source and discharged in series through an output circuit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a high voltage high current pulser in which a plurality of energy storage modules are mounted-on the outer surface of a hollow support and connected in a series circuit with spark gaps in the interior of such support and exposed to each other for simultaneous discharge of such modules when charged to a high voltage and one of such spark gaps is triggered to cause such one gap to break down and emit ionizing radiation from such one gap to the remaining gaps which causes such gaps to all break down substantially instantaneously.

A further object of the invention is to provide a high voltage, high current pulser in which a plurality of detachable energy storage modules are positioned on the exterior of a hollow elongated support and connected with discharge spark gaps in the interior of such support and covers for said modules are secured to said support to provide a gas tight pressure chamber for the spark gaps Within such support.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the following detailed descriptions of specific embodiments shown in the attached drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a typical pulser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the pulser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the pulser of FIGS. 1 and 2, looking to the left in such figures with a portion of the vertical length omitted and with parts broken away to show interior structure;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section on an enlarged scale of the pulser of FIGS. 1 to 3 on the line 44 of FIG. 3, with a portion of the vertical length omitted and certain of the energy storage modules and support portions therefor shown in elevation and other of the modules shown in vertical section;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal section of the support of the pulser of FIGS. 1 to 4 with the modules omitted and taken approximately on the line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentray interior elevational view of the pulser of FIGS. 1 to 5, looking in the direction of the arrows 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the pulser of FIGS. 1 to 6; and

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a modified type of energy storage module and its cover member.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the pulser of FIGS. 1 to 6 includes an elongated upright hollow support 10 of insulating material which is mounted at its lower end on a base 12 having an upper plate member 14 of metal such as brass. As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the lower end of the support 16 is closed by a metal plate 16 suitably secured thereto, for example by mounting a plurality of screws 18 around the periphery of the plate and casting the support 10 around the screws 18 and the plate 16. The upper end-of the support is closed by a removable cover plate 20 of insulating material with a gasket 22 positioned between the cover plate and the support 10. The cover plate is held in position by a plurality of screws 24. An output connector and spark gap member assembly 26 is carried by and extends through the cover plate 20. The details of such assembly will be described more in detail below.

A plurality of energy storage modules 28 are detachably connected to the outer surface of the support 10 and arranged in two vertical rows, one on each side of the support. Each module has a cup-shaped cover member 30 separately detachably connected to support 10. The support 10 also carries in its interior a plurality of metal

spark gap members

32 and 34, each surrounded for the major portion of its length by a sleeve 36 of insulating material. The support 10 also carries adjacent its lower end a modified type of spark gap member 38 to which is supplied a triggering pulse to trigger the breaking down of its associated spark gap and thus the various other spark gaps provided by the

spark gap members

32 and 34. All of the spark gap members are arranged in two vertical rows, one at each side of the support 10, to provide a plurality of spark gaps positioned in a common light path. It will be noted that the modules of the two rows of modules 28 and their covers 30 are ofi'set vertically of the support 10 so that the spark gap members 34 associated with the lower portions of each module 28 are each in horizontal alignment with the upper spark gap member 32 of the next lower module 28 to form the spark gaps and that the lowermost upper spark gap member 32 is in horizontal alignment with triggering spark gap member 38 to form the triggered spark gap.

The upper and lower

spark gap members

32 and 34 respectively associated with each module 28 form part of a subassembly including a support element 40 of insulating material having a cylindrical outer surface with a reduced portion 42. The support 10 has an inner shell 44 and the reduced portion 42 of the support element may be initially positioned in a suitably located aperture in such shell and the remainder of the support 10 cast around such support element 40. Each support element 40 has an internally threaded socket 46 in its outer surface and each cup-shaped module cover member has a reduced rim portion which is externally threaded and received in the socket 46. An 0 ring 48 surrounds such reduced portion of the rim of the cover 30 to provide a gasket between such cover and the support element 40.

Each support element has an hourglass shaped opening 50 extending axially therethrough as shown most clearly in FIG. 6, providing thickened rim portions each of which has a bore 52 extending therethrough in a direction axially of the support element. A metal nut 54 shown in FIG. 4 is positioned in such bore and receives the screw-threaded end of a

spark gap member

32 or 34 so that each such spark gap member can be adjusted longitudinally of itself to vary the length of the spark gap between its inner end and the end of another spark gap member carried by the opposite side of the support 10. Each

spark gap member

32 or 34 has a socket 56 in its outer end for reception of a plug 58 forming part of a module 28 as described below and the outer end of such socket can be formed to receive a suitable key or wrench to enable adjustment of the spark gap members from the exterior of the support 10 when the corresponding modules 28 are removed.

The spark gap member 38 has an inner metal member 60 surrounded by a sleeve of insulating material in turn surrounded by a metal sleeve 62. A nut 64 secured in a bore 65 in a modified support element 66 receives an enlarged threaded end of the inner member 60 which also has a socket 56 for reception of a plug. The bore 65 also has secured therein another nut 67 which is separated from the nut 64 by a washer of insulating material and receives a threaded inner end of the metal sleeve 62. Other than having a larger bore to receive the nuts 64 and 67, the support element 66 is similar to the support elements 40.

The modules 28 each include an upper elongated sup port member 68 of insulating material and a lower elongated support member 7 6 parallel to and spaced vertically from the upper support member. Such support members each carry one of the plugs 58 at its inner end. A pair of rigid capacitor elements 72 extend between and are rigidly secured to the upper support member 68 and lower support member to form a self-supporting module. The capacitor elements are secured to the lower support member 70 by thumb screws 73 which can be loosened to enable alignment of the plugs 58 with their sockets and then tightened after installation of the module to insure good electrical connections.

A pair of

inductors

74 and 76 are wound on the upper support member 68. The inductor is electrically connected between the upper ends of the two capacitor elements 72 and the inductor 76 is connected between the upper end of the inner one of such capacitors and the connecting plug 58 secured to the inner end of the support member 68. The similar plug 58 secured to the inner end of the metal support member 70 is connected to the lower ends of the capacitor elements 72 by such lower support member. It will be apparent that the capacitor elements 72 and

inductors

74 and 76 form a two section open ended artificial transmission line. It will also be apparent that the cover member 30 for each module can be removed by unscrewing it from its socket and that upon removal of its cover, each module 28 can be removed for repair or replacement by merely pulling each module away from the support It). The same or different module and cover member can then be replaced in reverse order. It will be noted that one of the capacitors opening 50 As shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 5, the support 10 contains a pair of elongated upstanding cylindrical members imbedded in the insulating material forming the body of the support. One of such cylindrical members has a series circuit of inductors 82 wound thereon and the other of such cylindrical members has a series circuit of similar inductors 83 wound thereon. As shown in FIG. 5, connector members 84 having their ends irnbedded in the cylindrical members are connected to the ends of such inductors and to the nuts 54 making electrical contact with the

spark gap members

32 and 24. The inductors 82 on one of said cylindrical members 80 are thus connected to spark gap member 32 and the inductors 33 on the other cylindrical member 80 are connected to the spark gap members 34, with the next to the lower inductor 83 connected between a spark gap member 34 and the inner member 60 of the spark gap member 38 and the lowermost inductor 83 connected between such inner member 60 and ground.

The lower end of the support 10 has two

cable connector sockets

86 and 88 of insulating material imbedded therein and provided with metallic central connecting

elements

90 and 92, respectively. The connector element 90 of one of such sockets 86 is connected to the nut 67 in contact with the outer metal sleeve 62 of the spark gap member 38 by a connector (not shown) but similar to the connectors 84 of FIG. to provide an input for a triggering voltage from a trigger transformer 93 energized from a suitable trigger amplifier (not shown). The connector element 92 of the other of such sockets 88 is connected by a similar conductor to the lower end of the lowermost inductor 82 to provide an input from a high voltage transmission line charging current source. A tube 94 extending through the wall of the support is positioned adjacent the connector socket-

s

86 and 88 to provide for introducing gas under pressure into the interior of the support 10.

The output connector and spark gap member assembly 26 provides an output connection to an output cable. It

includes a threaded metal member 95 extending vertically through the upper cover plate 20 and held rigidly in position by a pair ofnuts 96 threaded on the member 95 and tightened into sockets on opposite faces of the'cover plate 20. A ball 97 providing an output spark gap member is pinned to the lower end of the threaded member 95 in spaced relation to the uppermost spark gap member 32 to provide an output spark gap. A cable connector is swiveled to the upper end of the threaded member 95 and includes an inner metal connector member 98 having a conductor receiving socket 100 in its end and an outer insulating sheath 102 covering and extending forwardly of the connector member 98 to provide a cable receiving socket 104. The metal connector member is held in position by a screw 106 threaded into the upper end of the member 95 and having a washer below its head in engage ment with a compression spring 108 positioned in a socket in the metal connector member 98 so as to resiliently press such connector member against the upper end of the member 95.

The pulser above described can be fabricated in a series of steps including forming the inner shell 44 of the support 10 with suitable apertures therein to receive the support element 40 and then installing such support members in such apertures and positioning such shell upon the lower closure plate 16. The support members may be previously formed by machining from a body of insulating material and adhesively securing the nuts 54 and sleeves in position or can be formed by a resin casting operation in which case the nuts 54 and sleeves 36 may be held in position in a suitable mold and the body of the support member cast around such nuts and sleeve. The support element 66 and its contained nuts, 54, 64 and 67 can be similarly fabricated.

The vertically extending cylindrical members 80 of insulating material can be wound with the

inductors

82 and 83 with the connectors 84 extending therefrom and then placed in position with respect to the shell 44 and the base plate 16. The connectors 84 can be inserted into suitable bores in the support elements so as to make contact with the nuts 54 and 64. The cable connector sockets 86 at the lower end of the support 10 with suitable connections extending to the connector members 90 can also be positioned on the inner shell and the tube 94 may be positioned to extend through an aperture in the inner shell. The resulting assembly can then be placed in a suitable mold and the body portion of the support 10 cast around the inner shell 44 and the support elements and 66, as well as around the cable connector sockets 86, the tube 94 and the base plate 16. The resulting support 10 can then be secured to its base 12 and can have installed thereon the other portions of the complete pulser including the

spark gap members

32 and 38, the modules 28 and covers 30 therefor, and the upper cover plate 20 and parts carried thereby.

A schematic wiring diagram of the pulser is shown in FIG. 7 and it will be noted that the

inductors

82 and 83 and their connections form a circuit for charging in parallel the various transmission lines including the inductors 76 and capacitor elements 72 from a source of DO. potential (not shown) having its high voltage terminal connected to the connector 92 and its other terminal connected to ground. A high voltage triggering pulse, for example, a 10 kv. pulse, may be impressed upon the outer sleeve 62 of the triggering'spark gap member to break down one of the spark gaps and emit ionizing radiation from such one gap to all of the remaining gaps to cause all of the spark gaps to break down substantially instantaneously and discharge the charged transmission lines in series. The transmission lines may for example be charged to a voltage as high as 30 kv. each and twenty-four such transmission lines in series will produce an output voltage equal to approximately 300 kv. As an example, a suitable length for the various spark gaps is %-inch. For charging voltages above approximately 18 kv. nitrogen under pressure is preferably introduced through the tube 94, such nitrogen pressure ranging from 0 p.s.i. gauge at 18 kv. to 13 p.s.i. at 30 kv. By employing ceramic capacitors for the capacitor elements 72 sufficient energy storage to produce currents up to 2000 amperes discharged through 150 ohms and a pulse width of 0.2 microsecond has been obtained in a relatively small sized device. For example, a device capable of such operation may be approximately 8 inches wide, 15 inches long and 57 inches high. The pulses produced can be employed in an X-ray tube or other load connected directly between the output connector member 98 and ground or can be transmitted for substantial distances by means of a coaxial cable or a twinax cable, for example a 300 ohm line.

Various sized modules may the easily substituted for each other. The width of the pulse produced measured in microsecond will be approximately twice the time for a voltage wave to travel the etfective length of the transmission lines. For very narrow pulses, modified modules such as the module 109 of FIG. 8 containing a coiled coaxial cable 110 can be employed. Each cable 110 is open at one end and has its other end connected between plugs 58 secured in an end plate 112 for the module. The coiled cable 110 is contained in a cupshaped casing 114 secured to and having its open end closed by the end plate 112. The modules 109 may each have a cover 116 which may be similar to the covers 30 except for being longer to provide more internal space.

While the present application discloses the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that variations can be made in the details thereof.

We claim:

1. A high voltage pulser comprising:

an elongated hollow support forming a gas tight container,

a plurality of pairs of spark gap members spaced longitudinally of said support and each including a first spark gap member and a second spark gap member having portions spaced from each other to provide a spark gap within said container,

a plurality of similar energy storage modules each including an open ended transmission line of substantially the same characteristic impedance,

means for mounting each of said modules on said support and connecting one end of said transmission line of each module between a first member of one of said pairs of members and a second member of another of said pairs of members, and for positioning the spark gaps formed between said members in a common light path,

inductor means connecting said first members together and inductor means connecting said second members together to provide a circuit for charging said transmission lines from a high voltage D.C. source but isolating said first members from each other and also isolating said second members from each other with respect to rapidly changing currents,

means to introduce gas into said spark gaps and initiate the break down of one of said spark gaps so that ionizing radiation is emitted from said one gap to cause all of said spark gaps to break down substantially simultaneously and connect said one ends of said transmission lines in a series circuit,

and pulse output means connected in series with said series circuit.

2. A high voltage pulser comprising:

an elongated hollow support structure closed at its ends to provide a closed gas tight chamber,

a plurality of pairs of spark gap members mounted within and spaced longitudinally of said support and each including a first spark gap member and a second spark gap member projecting toward each other from opposite sides of said chamber and spaced from each other to provide a sparkgap,

a plurality of similar energy storage modules containing lumped constant transmission lines of substantially the same characteristic impedance,

means for mounting said modules on the exterior of said support structure and for connecting each of said modules between a first member of one of said pairs of members and a second member of another of said pairs of members, and for positioning the spark gaps formed between said members in a common light path within said chamber,

circuit means for charging said transmission lines from a high voltage D.C. source,

cover means for sealing said chamber,

means for introducing gas under pressure into said chamber,

means to initiate the breakdown of one of said spark gaps to emit ionizing radiation from said one gap to the remaining gaps in order to cause all of said spark gaps to break down at substantially the same time and connect said transmission lines in a series circuit,

and pulse output means connected in series with said series circuit.

3. A high voltage pulser comprising:

an elongated hollow support of insulating material closed at its ends to provide a closed chamber,

a plurality of pairs of elongated spark gap members mounted within and each including a first spark gap member and a second spark gap member projecting from each other from opposite sides of said chamber and having inner ends spaced from each other to provide a spark gap, said members being positioned in two longitudinally extending rows with said first members alternating with said second members in said rows and each being mounted in said support for adjustment longitudinally of itself to vary the length of one of said spark gaps,

a plurality of similar energy storage modules each including an open ended transmission line having series inductors and shunt capacitors, said modules each. including spaced elongated support elements,

rigid capacitor elements extending between and rigidly secured to said support elements and inductors wound on one of said support elements and connecting ends of said capacitor elements,

plug in means carried by the ends of said support elements for mounting said modules on the exterior of said support with said modules arranged in longitudinal rows on opposite sides of said support and forconnecting one end of said transmission line of each of said modules between a first member of one of said pairs and a second member of another of said pairs,

inductor means including a series circuit of inductors extending longitudinally of said support on opposite sides thereof and between said rows of modules, the inductors of one of said series circuits being connected between pairs of said first members and the inductors of the other of said circuits of inductors being connected between pairs of said second members to provide a circuit for charging said transmission-lines from a high voltage D.C. source but isolating said first members from each other and also isolating said second members from each other with respect to rapidly changing currents,

removable cover means for said modules cooperating with said support to close said chamber and provide for maintaining a gas pressure above ambient atmospheric pressure in said chamber,

an auxiliary spark gap member at one end of said support cooperating with one of said first spark gap members to provide an output spark gap,

means including an auxiliary conductor forming part of but insulated from one of said members to initiate the breakdown of one of said spar-k gaps to cause all of said spark gaps to break down and connected to said one ends of said transmission lines in series,

and pulse output means connected in series with said auxiliary member and the end of the last mentioned series circuit which is remote from said auxiliary member.

4. A high voltage pulser comprising:

an elongated'support forming a gas filled container,

a plurality of pairs of elongated spark gap members mounted on said support and each including a first spark gap member and a second spark gap member having ends spaced from each other to provide a spark gap, said members being positioned to form a plurality of spark gaps in alignment in a common light path within said container,

a plurality of similar energy storage modules each including an open ended transmission line of substantially the same characteristic impedance and having spaced elongated support elements,

rigid capacitor elements extending between and rigidly secured to said support elements and inductors wound on one of said support elements and conneoting ends of said capacitor elements,

plug in means carried by the ends of said support elements for mounting said modules on said support "and connecting, one end of said transmission 'line of each of said modules between a first member of one of said pairs and a second member of another of said pairs,

means to initiate the breakdown of one of said spark gaps to emit ionizing radiation from said one gap to the other gaps which causes all of said spark gaps to break down substantially simultaneously and connect said one ends of said transmission lines in a series circuit,

and pulse output means connected in series with said transmission lines.

5. A high volt-age pulser comprising:

an elongated support torming a gas tight container,

.a plurality of pairs of elongated spark gap members mounted on said support and each including a first spark gap member and a second spark gap member having inner ends spaced from each other to provide a spark gap, said members being positioned to form a plurality of spark gap-s in a common light path within said container,

a plurality of similar energy storage modules, each including a container and a coiled coaxial cable in said container providing an open ended transmission line,

plug in means carried by said modules for mounting said modules on said support and connecting one end of said transmission line of each of said modules between a first member of one of said pairs and a second member of another of said pairs,

means to initiate the breakdown of one of said spark gaps to emit ionizing radiation from said one gap to the remaining gaps which causes all of said spark gaps to break down substantially simultaneously and connect said one ends of said transmission lines in a series circuit,

and pulse output means connected in series with said transmission lines.

6. A high voltage pulser comprising:

a gas filled container;

a plurality of electrical signal transmission lines of substantially the same uniform characteristic impedance to prevent signal reflections and to enable the production of a rectangular output pulse when said transmission lines are connected together;

a plurality of spark gap electrodes connected to said transmission lines to forma plurality of spark gaps between the transmission lines which connect said transmission lines together when said spark gaps break down;

means for charging each of said transmission lines to a predetermined voltage and for enabling the transmission lines to store the charge until the spark gaps break down and discharge said transmission lines;

means for supporting said electrodes within said container in order to position said spark gaps in a common light path; and

means for causing ionizing radiation to be transmitted along said path through the spark gaps to cause said spark gaps to break down at substantially the same time.

7. A high voltage pulser comprising:

a gas tight container;

a plurality of electrical signal transmission lines of su stantially the same uniform characteristic impedance to prevent. signal reflections and to enable the production of a rectangular output pulse when said transmission lines are connected together;

a. plurality of spark gap electrodes connected to said transmission lines to torm a plurality of spark gaps between the transmission lines which connect said transmission lines in series when said spark gaps break down;

means for charging said transmission lines in parallel to a predetermined voltage and for enabling the transmission lines to store the electrical energy until the spark gaps break down and discharge said transmission lines;

means for supporting said electrodes within said container in order to position said spark gaps in alignment in a common light path so that each gap sees all the remaining gaps; and

means for causing radiation to be transmitted along said path to cause said spark gaps to break down substantially simultaneously.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,974,328 9/1934 Bouwers 30 7-110 X 2,254,836 9/1941 Boldingn 307-108 2,470,118 5/1949 Trevor 307-110 X 2,534,758 12/1950 Titterton 307-110 X 2,578,263 12/1951 Perkins 320-1 2,695,374 11/1954 Jeppson 321-15 X 2,898,523 4/ 1959 Charles 317-99 3,059,165 10/1962 Meykar 321-15 FOREIGN PATENTS 389,813 3/ 1933 Great Britain.

407,837 3/1934 Great Britain.

837,958 6/1960 Great Britain.

IRVING L. SRAGOW, Primary Examiner.

MILTON C. HIRSHFIELD, Examiner.

Claims

1. A HIGH VOLTAGE PULSER COMPRISING: AN ELONGATED HOLLOW SUPPORT FORMING A GAS TIGHT CONTAINER, A PLURALITY OF PAIRS OF SPARK GAP MEMBERS SPACED LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID SUPPORT AND EACH INCLUDING A FIRST SPARK GAP MEMBER AND A SECOND SPARK GAP MEMBER HAVING PORTIONS SPACED FROM EACH OTHER TO PROVIDE A SPARK GAP WITHIN SAID CONTAINER, A PLURALITY OF SIMILAR ENERGY STORAGE MODULES EACH INCLUDING AN OPEN ENDED TRANSMISSION LINE OF SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME CHARACTERISTIC IMPEDANCE, MEANS FOR MOUNTING EACH OF SAID MODULES ON SAID SUPPORT AND CONNECTING ONE END OF SAID TRANSMISSION LINE OF EACH MODULE BETWEEN A FIRST MEMBER OF ONE OF SAID PAIRS OF MEMBERS AND A SECOND MEMBER OF ANOTHER OF SAID PAIRS OF MEMBERS, AND FOR POSITIONING THE SPARK GAPS FORMED BETWEEN SAID MEMBERS IN A COMMON LIGHT PATH, INDUCTOR MEANS CONNECTING SAID FIRST MEMBERS TOGETHER AND INDUCTOR MEANS CONNECTING SAID SECOND MEM-