Abstract: The intrinsic time constant .tau. of liquids is measured directly by using he apparatus of the present invention termed a "taumeter". The taumeter impresses a predetermined voltage, level between a pair of electrode immersed in the liquid to be measured. The taumeter then measures the time it takes for the foregoing voltage to decay from a predetermined value V.sub.A to a predetermined value V.sub.B. Comparator logic produces a gate pulse having a leading edge at a time T.sub.A corresponding to the occurrance of the predetermined voltage V.sub.A and a trailing edge at a time T.sub.B corresponding to the occurrance of the predetermined voltage V.sub.B. The gate pulse is used to gate a system counter which counts the zero crossings of a very accurate system clock to determine the intrinsic time constant of the liquid. The foregoing pulsing is repeated as determined by a duty cycle generator.

Abstract: A high peak power, broad band, radio frequency pulse generator generates are wave pulses at a high pulse repetition frequency for use in jamming of radar, data links, voice communication, or other radio frequency signals. The generator is constructed with one or more pairs of coaxial cable formed into opposite half loops. The cable is provided with an inner conductor and outer conductors with the outer conductor of each opposed loop attached to a spark gap switch while the inner conductor is continuous throughout the loops from one side of a matched impedance load, such as an antenna, to the other side of the load. The spark gap switch is provided with a pair of electrodes separated by a gap. The gap contains a dielectric medium having fast spark quenching characteristics and a high standoff voltage. Peak power for the generator is 10 to 100 kilowatts with a pulse repetition frequency of 1 to 100 kilohertz.