Investigation of Monolithic Radial Transmission Lines for Z-Pinch

A mathematical expression of the output voltage from a nonuniform transmission line with an arbitrary input pulse was deduced. The first arriving wave, peak power efficiency, and droop of the output voltage were further clarified using analytical method. The transmission characteristics of monolithic radial transmission lines (MRTLs) with different impedance profiles were investigated by 3-D electromagnetic (EM) simulation and it was found that the hyperbolic impedance profile is the best choice for future Z-pinch drivers. The results obtained from 3-D EM simulation are in good agreement with those obtained from the experiments on a scaled-down MRTL.