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Diversified Technologies, Inc. proposes to develop a compact short-pulse high voltage insulator through management of the electric field gradients over the insulation distance and selection of materials that are resistant to surface breakdown initiation. Electric field gradient management is accomplished by placing conductors at regular intervals along the insulation path of the insulator. DTI proposes the voltage grading be performed by a continuous conductor spiral as opposed to the more conventional few concentric rings. This structure has the potential to be simpler to construct and also provides a DC short circuit across the output between pulses, thus bleeding off residual charge automatically. For short pulses the inductance of this spiral insures ensures that the current through it is small compared to the load current .