Ultra-wide-band pulse generation and radiation using a high <i>T</i> <i>c</i> superconductor opening switch

Abstract

A new method of generating ultra-wide-band electromagnetic pulses using a Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 high Tc superconductor as a fast laser activated opening switch is presented. The superconductor is used as an opening switch with a current charged transmission line pulse forming network to produce jitter-free triggered square pulses which are radiated by an ultra-wide-band conical antenna. We report radiation and reception of pulses with center frequencies near 3.5 GHz and a bandwidth in excess of 80%. We also discuss how this technique can be used to assess various wide-band antenna designs.