High-voltage pulse sharpening using spiral lines with ferrite

In this paper we present the results of experimental investigation together with 3D simulation of high-voltage pulse sharpening of the amplitude of 150-200 kV by a nonlinear transmission line with spiral central conductor which incorporate a ferrite core. The pulsed axial magnetic field in ferrite saturates it at the leading edge of the pulse which leads to the sharpening of the pulse rise time due to magnetic losses. The obtained sharpening of the rise time from 2.5 ns to 1.7 ns is not so significant as predict theoretical estimation because of the inductive properties of the spiral line.