Input Pulse Response in Nonlinear Transmission Line

Nonlinear transmission lines have been demonstrated to be an effective technique for generating high power ultrawideband or mesoband radiation without the need for a vacuum system, electron beam, or magnet. Experiments have been performed at UM on a discrete element nonlinear transmission line that uses ferrite inductors as the nonlinear element. Pulse sharpening of multi-kA input pulses has been observed in addition to the generation of oscillations at the characteristic LC frequency. The response to various input pulses to excite a single inductor on a single stage of the nonlinear transmission line, which may consist of a linear capacitor and a nonlinear inductor, will be modeled. Also studied is the pulse response to a nonlinear telegraphic equation. Results of these modeling efforts as well as experimental results performed at UM will be presented.