A 5 kV nanosecond-risetime pulse generator gating an electro-optical shutter

Abstract
A 5 kV pulse generator has been developed using avalanche transistors. This generator produces 5 kV fixed pulse amplitudes with 10 ns total risetime and 10 mu s duration, to drive a proximity focus image intensifier. The pulse generator operates at repetition rates up to 250 Hz. The trigger pulse is galvanically decoupled from the pulse generator using a commercial optocoupler which is also driven in the avalanche region.