IN DEVELOPEMENT FOR 2024
Kicker pulsers
Kentech is developing a variety of Kicker pulsers for use on synchrotrons.
Recent designs are scalable to >10kV and feature complementary outputs for driving a balanced deflection structure. Pulse widths down to ~ 3ns are possible.
Pulser to Drive a Muon beam deflector
Muons are somewhat heavier than electrons and hence the voltage requirements for a deflector are much higher than an electron beam deflector, at least in the non to mildly relativistic case.
We are currently working on a pulser that will an opposing pair of 35kV steps into a 32Ω structure with transition times <10ns.
This will be used to improve the time resolution of muon probing of samples.
Electron gun pulser
This is similar to the unit developed in 2023, but only has a slow mode.
It also has a local control via LCD display and small keypad.
NEW FOR 2023
Dual mode electron gun cathode pulser
Kentech already makes a variety of grid or cathode pulsers for pulsed electron beam injection into Linacs.
We have developed a unit with fast and slow modes selected by switching between avalanche and FET based pulsers.
The amplitude of both is variable and the length of the slow pulser is also adjustable.
There is built in protection against the injection of large voltages into the input as may happen if the electron gun breaks down to ground.
(They are often floating at high voltages, along with the pulser.)
The unit is controllable over RS232 or Ethernet.
Triode pulser for Electron Beam injection
Kentech already makes a variety of grid or cathode pulsers for pulsed electron beam injection into Linacs.
We are currently working on units with arbitrary waveform generators to deliver complex pulse patterns.
In addition we are working on simpler systems with variable pulse lengths .
New Arbitrary Waveform generator
Kentech already makes a variety of arbitrary waveform generators.
This new development will see improvements in jitter and sample rate.
In addition the new unit will use components that are more readily available.
NEW FOR 2022
High Rate Pockels Cell driver
The pulser is designed to produce fast rise and fall pockels cell drive pulses at an amplitude up to 1.6kV.
The rise and fall time are sub nanosecond and the maximum repetition rate is 225kHz.
The average power in the output pulse can reach ~75watts so a suitably rated load must be used.
The pulse width is adjustable from ~1ns to ~4.5ns and all pulse parameters are set via a front panel LCFD/keypad.
In addition RS232 and ethernet interfaces allow remote control of the pulser.
Remote X-ray Streak Camera system
An X-ray streak camera based on our earlier designs for use when most of the electronics needs to be remote from the detector.
The unit has several high voltage outputs for the streak tube lens,
It uses an arbitrary waveform generator for the ramp drive to the sweep plates. This permits a large range of ramps to be generated.
Ramps can be compensated for nonlinearities in the sweep tube defection sensitivity and the losses in long cables.
Ramps with different rates in different parts of the readout are also easily programmed.
Photocathode blanking is supported for events giving bright post event illumination.
Support is supplied for a Gated MCP/Phosphor detector (not supplied).
Remote Streak Camera Electronics Package
A general purpose set of streak camera electronics designed for use when most of the electronics needs to be remote from the detector.
The unit has several high voltage outputs for the streak tube lens, plus a spare.
It uses an arbitrary waveform generator for the ramp drive to the sweep plates. This permits a large range of ramps to be generated.
Ramps can be compensated for nonlinearities in the sweep tube defection sensitivity and the losses in long cables.
Ramps with different rates in different parts of the readout are also easily programmed.
Photocathode unblanking and blanking is supported for events giving bright pre or post event illumination.
NEW FOR 2021
PG1000 Nanosecond Pulser
A negative output pulse generator producing a rectangular pulse with width 40ns to 1μs
Voltage range -300 to -1000 volts into 50Ω
Leading edge transition time <1ns.
Trailing edge transition time <1.5ns for pulse widths <45ns and ~8ns for pulse widths >45ns
PSP1 Mk2
The PSP1 programmable pockels cell driver has been revamped. No significant changes in performance.
PBG1-N-V-10kHz
A high repetition rate version of our PBG1 pulser.
6kV into 50Ω, 150ps rise time, fwhm ~ 0.5ns, variable output voltage.
Available in positive or negative output
NEW FOR 2020
8 channel MCP pulser
The 8-channel microchannel plate (MCP) pulser is a high voltage pulse generator capable of producing eight short parallel pulses with peak voltages of 1kV into 25Ω.,
The pulse duration can be adjusted from ~5ns through to 200ns and is slaved to an external trigger.
The device has a maximum repetition rate of 1Hz.
Gated Photomultiplier
This new device allows gating of a Photek MCP based Photomultiplier (PMT).
There are two trigger signals, one for ON and one for OFF. The device can be ON or OFF in the quiescent state.
The device also supports gate slaving to the trigger input.
The gate rise time is ~ 5ns optically. Jitter is <100ps. Repetition rate is up to 200Hz.
New Fast Pulser
This new device is in development for delivery in 2020.
A completely new pulse source capable of delivering a fast front edge, possibly -60 volts in <80ps.
Repetition rates to at least 10kHz. Design to be finalised.
UTV100P
An upgrade to the UTV50. Now able to deliver 100 volts into 50 ohms.
With adjustable trigger threshold, amplitude to 100 volts, polarity and pulse length 1 to 100ns.
Ethernet/USB/RS232/manual control.
NEW FOR 2019
10 OUTPUT CPS1
10 synchronous (no relative jitter) +600 volts into 50 ohms, 1ns FWHM
CPS3 Module
Compact OEM module +3.5kV into 50 ohms, 4ns FWHM. Rise time ~250ps, fall time ~800ps, up to 30Hz.
Requires 12V DC and trigger pulse.
HDISC
A new version of our DISC x-ray streak camera designed to operate in a high neutron environment.
The electronics is split between a local head module that sits close to the streak tube and a remote (50m) control unit.
Much of the electronics in the head module is shut down just prior to a shot to remove electric fields in components when the neutrons arrive.
Parts have been tested in the environment for longevity before being designed into the head module.
The streak tube takes advantage of the new corrector mesh assembly to extend the spatial resolution to the edges of the 30 mm cathode.
Output of the streak tube can be via a radiation hardened readout detector or phosphor/film.
Support (power, and triggers) for a suitable detector is built in.
Note HDISC and HSLOS use the same remote control unit.
HSLOS (SLOS2)
A new version of our SLOS electronics package designed to operate in a high neutron environment.
The electronics is split between a local head module that sits close to the SLOS tube and a remote (50m) control unit.
Much of the electronics in the head module is shut down just prior to a shot to remove electric fields in components when the neutrons arrive.
Parts have been tested in the environment for longevity before being designed into the head module.
Output of the HSLOS can be via a radiation hardened readout detector.
Support (power, and triggers) for a suitable detector is built in.
KICKER PULSER
The first of several designs of High Voltage solid state pulse generators for a variety of applications ranging from Synchrotron Kicker pulsers to large aperture pockels cell drivers.
Voltages to ~>20kV into 50 ohms at low or moderate repetition rates. Pulse lengths from a few ns to a several tens of ns.
NEW FOR 2017-8
Lots of exciting new products
Current projects are taking longer than a year to come to market. Updates will follow.
Projects include upgrading existing products for working in a fusion radiation environment (14.1 MeV neutrons).
Kicker pulsers for synchrotrons,
Continuously variable pulse length high voltage sub ns pulsers,
Time dilation x-ray streak camera...
PBG5 with remote control over a fibre link
An upgrade to our existing PBG5 pulser with facility to control it from hundreds of metres away over a fibre optic link.
The remote module can control the unit, trigger it and read back the status.
NEW FOR 2016
SLOS - Single Line of Sight X-ray Imager
An x-ray imager based on a DIXI type tube but with multiple frames on a single line of sight as opposed to the multiple lines of sight of a multiple pin hole array.
Upgrade to DISC and Low Mag - X-ray streak cameras to deliver improved off axis spatial resolution
By making a small modification to the electron optics and supplying a 4th. focusing potential the on axis spatial resolution is now maintained out to the full cathode width.
This delivers up to ~ 10 times the information throughput of the device. This is an excellent upgrade for those using the camera with x-ray spectrometers.
PDPMT - Fast Photomultiplier with dilated output signal
Using Pulse dilation techniques as used on DIXI, we have improved the temporal resolution of a MCP PM tube from ~100ps to ~10ps.
The record length is ~500ps and a relatively slow oscilloscope (~6GHz) can be used to record the signal.
Bipolar impulse generator
A bench top unit
Load 50 ohms. Rise time ~0.3ns Pulse duration <300ps to 10ns adjustable (250ps typical)
Amplitude >= +/-20V adjustable for PW > 600ps (+/-32V typical) >= +/-15V adjustable for 300ps < PW < 600ps (+/-19V typical)
Delay adjustment 0 - 10ns for each polarity, 10ns common delay adjustment
Jitter <10ps rms (5ps rms typical)
Max PRF >=MHz
NEW FOR 2015
Multi-channel adaptive optics driver
A control unit for a 64 channel driver for adaptive mirror optics. Each channel can deliver between ±100 volts under computer control with 12 bit precision. Individual channels may be tweeked and whole patterns saved and recalled for rapid changing of the configuration. Short circuit indicator.
Ringing Waveform Generator
A generator of a decaying sinusoid waveform. Peak amplitude 550V into 50Ω. 16 amplitude steps over 10:1 range, 10Hz rep. rate.
Special APG
Similar to our standard APG but in a compact enclosure, external power supply and no built in delay control.
Step Generator
A low voltage negative step generator designed for driving Fibre optic modulators but may find applications in time domain reflectometry and cable response measurements etc.
New Gated Optical Imager
The Gated Optical Imager has been upgraded. It now delivers gate periods from ~70ps to 5ns, with computer control of the gate width and of the trigger delay. This new unit is available as a single or dual channel unit and uses a gated intensifier head with enhanced spatial resolution.
NEW FOR 2014
UTV50 Pulse Generator
The UTV50 is designed to generate rectangular pulses into a 50Ω load. On receipt of a trigger pulse the UTV50 will generate a single output pulse. The duration and amplitude of the output is set using the front panel mounted 'digi-dials'.
Output voltage is 0 to +50V. Pulse width 1 to 100ns, repetition rate up to 20kHz. Rise time <200ps (20 to 80%), fall time <500ps (20 to 80%). Jitter SD <4.5ps
Programmable Modulator Driver
A programmable arbitrary waveform generator designed for driving a suitable pockels cell. Whilst the rise and fall time depend upon the specific modulator edges of ~ 10ns are achievable. The record length is ~ 1µs with samples at 250MHz. Output is 750 volts into a 50pF load.
This device will be suitable for compensation of gain depletion in amplifiers with pulse lengths of several hundred ns.
New HRI with enhanced spatial resolution
The New HRI (High Rate Imager) offers enhanced spatial resolution due to improvements in both the gate driver and the head configuration. The basic gating specification is unchanged, (down to ~250ps gates at up to ~ 100MHz) but the full spatial resolution is now achievable even at very short gate widths.
High Frequency Mono-cycle Generator
A compact source delivering a ~>30 volt, peak to peak, monocycle into 50 Ω.
Mono cycles from 700ps to 3ns can be generated at up to ~1MHz. Jitter SD ~ 5ps.
Fast edge ASE suppression Pockels cell driver
A driver with a single 7kV fast edge for use with fast pockels cells to suppress ASE in 1 µm lasers.
The optical rise time is round 170ps for a 6mm aperture beam using a single crystal Fast Pulse Technology KD*P cell.
NEW FOR 2013
SLOS - Single Line of Sight X-ray Imager - in Development
An x-ray imager based on a DIXI type tube but with multiple frames on a single line of sight as opposed to the multiple lines of sight of a multiple pin hole array.
RTV30
A pulse generator delivering ~30 volts into 50Ω. Rise and fall ~ 300ps. Pulse length 300ps* to 20ns. Max. repetition rate 100kHz. switchable polarity. Reverse terminated, so it can drive unmatched loads without delivering multiple pulses. Local and USB control.
* At <400 ps the output voltage is lower, down to 30 volts at 300ps.
PDG2 Precision delay generator
This is a new model of our PDG delay generator. Delay adjustment to 50ns (other to special order), 25ps steps, jitter free. 50Ω structure. Pulses up to 30 volts may be delayed or if the delay is not changed during a pulse up to 1.5kV for <2ns pulses. Computer control with USB and Ethernet (web page) control.
NEW FOR 2012
RTV40
A pulse generator delivering ~35 volts into 50Ω. Rise and fall ~ 300ps. Pulse length 300ps* to 20ns. Max. repetition rate 100kHz. switchable polarity. Reverse terminated, so it can drive unmatched loads without delivering multiple pulses. Local and USB control.
* At <400 ps the output voltage is lower, down to 30 volts at 300ps.
NEW FOR 2011
hGXD
This is a modified version of the GXD [ Gated X-ray Detector] designed for harsh environments, in particular those with high neutron fluxes. All the integrated circuit electronics has been removed from the head unit which is controlled with a mechanical relay system. only essential electronic components remain in the head. A separate control unit operates from 50 metres away. Most of the functionality of the GXD is retained. Channel to channel jitter has been improved over GXD.
Spider X-ray Streak Camera
This is based on the DISC streak camera but all the electronics except the fast blanking is removed to a control unit 50 metres from the streak tube to allow operation in high neutron environments. Provision is made to move the fast blanking electronics also.
DIXI
This is a new gated x-ray camera developed in collaboration with General Atomics and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This camera has achieved multiple (~30) frames in the UV and soft X-rays with exposure times ~6ps. The camera has also demonstrated a streak mode. See here for recent reports and here for publications. Now in use on the NIF.
Image Intensifier Supply for remote (50m) driving of image tubes
Based on part of Spider, this new supply can drive a conventional image intensifier from 50 metres with no electronics near the tube and achieve MCP gate off in ~10ns. In high neutron environments it is important to gate the MCP off at it is sensitive to the neutrons.
GOI
A new design for the GOI offering gate widths from <100ps to ~µs.
NEW FOR 2010
PSG-1 Pulse Sequence Generator
This pulse generator can produce a sequence of high voltage pulses each of which can be of arbitrary amplitude, polarity and duration (with certain limits). Provision to monitor current, voltage and total energy delivered to the load is provided.
Burst Mode 40MHz Pockels Cell Driver
A burst mode high repetition rate Pockels cell driver capable of to 40MHz pulses. The unit is typically driven with a 80MHz clock and will divide this by an arbitrary integer to enable pulse selection from a mode locked train at a variety of rates up to 40MHz. The unit is designed for use with an RTP pockels cell.
HDG800 Trigger delay generator
A trigger delay generator capable of operating at up to 800MHz with a delay adjustment of up to 4π in 25ps steps. This device is based upon several PECL delay lines and incorporates thermal stabilisation. The device will have many applications but is primarily targeted at the High repetition rate gated camera market.
DISC X-ray Streak Camera for use in DIMs and TIMs
This is based upon our Low magnification Streak tube. The electronics package has been developed for use in DIM and TIM systems on ICF experiments. The electronics will drive a tube fitted with a conventional intensifier or with an internally intensified tube. In this case the phosphor can be run continuously or gated for a few µs. The system incorporates both fast blanking at the end of the sweep by shorting the cathode and extraction grid and late time crowbarring of the three tube high voltage supplies.
Modular version of Precision Delay Generator
This is based upon our Precision Delay Generator but is a "blind" unit that is intended for integration into larger systems, there is no local mode. The maximum delay is increased to 50ns.
Arbitrary waveform Generator with long record length AWG100D
Our previous arbitrary waveform generators with 200 ps samples offer record lengths to 30ns. This latest device can achieve records to several µs. The device is suitable for driving fibre optic modulators to generate arbitrary laser pulse shapes with sub 200ps edges.
Pockels Cell Driver with computer control
This is based on the design of our Dual Pockels cell driver but has a single channel and no delay feature. However, it boasts an improved pulse shape and remote control over RS232 or Ethernet. Pulse lengths from ~200ps to 10ns in ~25ps steps. Output voltage to ~3.8kV, suitable for a double crystal KD*P device at 1064nm.
General Purpose Pockels Cell driver
This is a FET based driver capable of 0 to ~8.5kV into 50Ω. It can generate one or two pulses with widths from ~10ns to ~80ns.
This device is suitable for a variety of laser gating applications, including pulse picking, ASE suppression, IN/OUT gating.
Programmable Shape Pockels Cell Driver
A programmable arbitrary pulse source for driving a 3.6kV pockels cell with a monotonically increasing waveform over ~7ns.
This will be suitable for shaping laser pulses to compensate for amplifier gain depletion and avoid the use of fibre optic modulators and the high gain Re-generative amplifiers that are consequently needed in such applications.
Trigger distribution Unit
A simple 10 channel trigger distribution unit. This unit will free run at 0.1Hz to 1kHz for setting up and can be triggered manually or will accept a 5 volt trigger signal. The 10 outputs are ~30volts into 50Ω and are synchronous with no relative jitter. The overall jitter is ~10ps rms. The unit has both audible and visual indication of a trigger event as well as a latching trigger indicator.
NEW FOR 2007
Custom Fast ramp Generator
A two speed ramp generator for streak cameras.
Beam Chopping burst mode pulser
Multichannel CPS3 pulser with bias for MCP gating
Single channel HMP1 Pulser with DC bias and phosphor bias for gating MCP detectors
Ultra fast PBG1 pulser with low jitter
NEW FOR 2006
Optical Streak Camera
A new compact optical streak camera is in development.
Pulser for Ice probing Radar
A compact battery powered module designed for operation at low temperatures and suitable for driving impulse Ice probing radar.
NEW FOR 2006/2005
Arbitrary Waveform Generator Gen II
The device can generate arbitrary waveforms with 100 samples at 100ps intervals, each sample is in the range 0 to 8 volts into 50Ω.
This device has been designed to drive the new Photline fibre optic broad band modulators but will work with JDS Uniphase units and can be used as an electrical arbitrary waveform generator.
NEW FOR 2005/2004
Agile Delay Generator
This device is used for delaying a RF trigger signal by up to more than one period. Reset time is ~ 1ms. It has been specifically designed to aid whole field FLIM users to acquire real time data when using a mode locked laser source.
NEW FOR 2004/2003
Electronics Package for four frame DIM based X-ray camera
A new compact modular electronics package for driving a strip 4 frame gated MCP x-ray detector. Each channel will have module exchange gate lengths from 0.2 to 1.3ns, delay range to 50ns on three channels, pulsed or DC phosphor bias, and MCP bias generator.
The package will also provide bias voltages for the photo conductive detector. The unit is designed for remote operation and easy of assembly with minimal cabling between modules. The system is for "in air" use.
NEW FOR 2003/2002
Arbitrary Laser Waveform generator
A fast high voltage A to D that drives a Lithium Tantalate Electro-Optic Modulator. Suitable for compensating for amplifier saturation or for general pulse shaping over a few µs with 10ns steps.
For applications such as laser pulse shaping, it may however, find applications in other fields.
NEW FOR 2002/2001
Electronics package for TIMCART based 6 frame X-ray camera
A new compact modular electronics package for driving a wide strip 6 frame gated MCP X-ray detector. Each channel will have electrical gate lengths from 0.2 to 1.3ns, delay range to 20ns, and bias generator. The package will also provide bias voltages for the phosphor and a photo conductive detector. The unit is designed for remote operation and easy of assembly with minimal cabling between modules. The system is for "in vacuuo" use.
Sinusoidal Modulation for HRI
A new Add on unit for our HRI that allows true sinusoidal modulation of the gain using a pulse coding scheme.
NEW FOR 2001/2000
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
The device can generate arbitrary waveforms with 280 samples at 100ps intervals, each sample is in the range 0 to 8 volts into 50 Ω.
Dual Channel 6ns pulser 4kV and 8kV units
Two new pulsers delivering either 4kV or 8kV into two 50Ω outputs.
Channels can be either independent or trigger simultaneously.
Waveform is rectangular fast rise and fall with ~6ns flat top
40kHz 5ns 900 volt pulser/Pockels cell driver link to PDF file
FET based Pulser suitable for driving a low voltage pockels cell at the end of a cable.
NEW FOR 1999/2000
High Rate Pockels Cell and Driver
10 or perhaps 50kHz repetition rate few ns transition times. Both Q switch and regenerative laser switch IN/OUT in development.
Suitable for gating from 5ns to 2µs with bias suitable for regenerative amplifiers.
Laser temporal shaper with arbitrary shape
Programmable, single low voltage polarity electronics package designed to drive suitable laser modulators. Spec. will follow.
Remote/computer control for camera systems
We have upgraded SLIX (In vaccuo gated x-ray) systems to have computer control
NEW FOR 1998/1999
Dual Output Picosecond Kilovolt Pulse Generator
Regenerative Laser Oscillator Driver
An electronics package that drives an acousto-optic mode locker in a phase locked loop driven from a mode locked laser.
SPL1
10kV, 10kHz 100ps rise time pulser
Monocycle pulser
High voltage Monocycle pulser, designed for HEI
SLIX
New Gated X-ray system
Trigger resynchroniser
A device for synchronising random trigger pulses to an RF source
Photo cathode Pulser
20kV 20ns FET pulser in to arbitrary loads
Combined HRI & GOI
A single detector combining the HRI and GOI attributes
NEW FOR 1997/1998
High Repetition Rate Imager for FLIM etc.
Digitisers please contact us for details
'Q' switch driver
Budget priced simple general purpose system for low rep. rates to 8kV.
PBG7
45kV into 50Ω or 90kV into a balanced output of 200Ω. An extension of our PBG5 technology to higher voltages.
HMP2
Dual Output Picosecond Kilovolt Pulse Generator PBG2 Special PBG2 pulse with single output and remote control of amplitude
Intensifier gate & psu modules
Small DC to 5ns gate module and power supply for image intensifiers