Analysis of output waveform for multi-stage stacked Blumlein line commutated by individual gas switches

A multi-stage stacked Blumlein line commutated by individual gas switches is designed. Comparative analysis of gas switch effect on the output waveform for the multi-stage Blumlein line is carried out. The switch jitter and electrical characteristics strongly influence the performance of the line and the stresses on the dielectric. The effects of switch jitter, inductance, the resistive decay during closure, and the closed-state resistance on the output pulse are explored for stacked Blumlein lines using SPICE simulations. Furthermore, the impact of switch operation on a four-stage stacked Blumlein line is studied experimentally.