A Novel Type of High Power Pulse Transmitter

A system of generation of radio waves is described which makes use of a symmetrical circular array of condensers charged through resistors and discharged through spark gaps in the manner of the Marx impulse generator. It is shown that exponential wave� trains of very high peak powers, of the order of 10,000 MW, may be radiated. The radiation resistance and radiation field of the structure are given and modification of the field pattern by parasitic elements is considered. Formulae and graphical aids are given which facilitate the design of such transmitters and experiments with various model transmitters are described. Consideration is given to circuit losses, particularly spark losses, and means are described to minimize these losses.