A compact Marx generator based on shock ionization dynistors

In this article, we describe a four-stage Marx generator that utilizes shock ionization dynistors as switches. The generator can generate megawatt pulses of nanosecond duration, which is important for many areas of electrophysics. The dynistor in the first stage is turned on by an overvoltage pulse rising at approximately 1 kV/ns. The remaining dynistors are turned on by an overvoltage wave created using triggering capacitors. The main unit of the generator has a volume of 500 cm 2 and can switch voltage pulses reaching 12 kV in 8 ns, as well as current pulses with an amplitude of 3 kA and a rise rate of 200 A/ns, into the load. The features of the generator offer the possibility to significantly increase both the output current and the output voltage.