Fast-rise-time electromagnetic shock waves in nonlinear, ceramic dielectrics

The generation of fast rise-time electromagnetic shock waves in nonlinear transmission lines containing ceramic ferroelectric dielectrics is investigated. The theory of shock wave evolution is explored and used to determine the desired characteristics of the nonlinear dielectric. The rise-time which would be expected in a barium - strontium titanate based ceramic dielectric is estimated from the material properties. This is compared with the actual rise-time obtained in a parallel plate transmission line made from blocks of the ceramic. Shock waves have been generated with amplitudes of 10 kV and 5 kA and a rise-time of 410 ps. The problems associated with measuring the rise-time of the shock waves are discussed.