Frozen-Wave Hertzian generators - Theory and applications

'Frozen Wave' Hertzian generators have been built which can produce multikilowatt RF pulses in the megahertz frequency range with repetition rates of 10's of kilohertz. These generators do not have a damped sinusoidal output; they generate a discrete, controllable number of rectangular half cycles. The output waveform can be discretely changed from one half-cycle to the next. At the higher frequencies, discontinuities in the switch and dispersion in the cables round the edges of the rectangular half cycles, causing the output waveform to be nearly sinusoidal. These generators have also been used as video pulsers with variable pulse duration and interpulse spacing. Frequency, power and pulse width limitations will be discussed.