High voltage pulse generator using a non-linear capacitor

A high voltage pulse generating device comprising:

• a plurality of pulse generating parts connected in parallel to a DC power supply, said pulse generating parts comprising:
• a semiconductor switch having a first terminal connected to a first output terminal of the DC power supply;
• a primary inductor connected between an output terminal of said semiconductor switch and a second output terminal of said DC power supply;
• a diode having a cathode connected to the output terminal of said semiconductor switch;
• a capacitor connected between an anode of said diode and the second output terminal of said DC power supply;
• a secondary inductor having a first terminal connected to the anode of said diode;
• and
• a non-linear capacitor connected between a second terminal of said secondary inductor and the second output terminal of said DC power supply;
• wherein said non-linear capacitors of said plurality of pulse generating parts are serially connected.

A method of generating a high voltage pulse across a load comprising:

• drawing current through an inductor;
• and
• opening a semiconductor switch to redirect said current through a second inductor and a non-linear capacitor in parallel with said load;
• wherein saturation of said capacitor causes a current to flow through said load, thereby generating a high voltage pulse thereacross.