Compact subnanosecond pulse generator using avalanche transistors for cell electroperturbation studies

Research on the electroperturbation effects of ultrashort high field pulses in cancer cells requires subnanosecond rise time, high voltage pulses delivered to low impedance biological loads. Here we present a compact solid-state pulse generator developed for this application. The pulse is generated by switching a chain of avalanche transistors configured as a tapered transmission line from high voltage to ground. The system features a built in 1400:1 capacitively compensated resistive voltage divider. The divider, with a 3 dB point at 910 MHz, overcomes challenges in the direct measurement of the high frequency components of the output pulse. The generator is capable of producing a 0.8 us rise time, 1.3 ns wide, 1.1 kV pulse into a 50 Omega load at a maximum repetition rate of 200 kHz. Techniques to implement physical layouting strategies to achieve subnanosecond rise times are outlined. Problems faced in integrating the subnanosecond pulse generator with a biological load are discussed. This pulse generator will be used in experiments aimed at electromanipulation of intracellular biomolecular structures.