Abstract: An high power microwave expander is provided which decreases the rise time of rf pulses. The expander is a transmission line in which internal conductors are separated and tapered to provide a spark gap with high isolation characteristics at low power. The arcing threshold of the spark gap can be adjusted by varying the internal pressure of the transmission line, injecting a gas such as helium into the transmission line and by providing free electrons in close proximity to the spark gap.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 28, 1988
Date of Patent:
October 17, 1989
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
Inventors:
Mark D. Berry, Robert J. Tan, Robert V. Garver