in the applications mentioned above. While compact,[@arantchoukMarx:2014ETAL] high-repetition,[@IEEE:2010:100HzMarxETAL] and inductively loaded[@APL:2016:prolongguideddischargeETAL] Marx generators and coupled Marx-Tesla circuits[@APL:1978:MarxTesla] exist, this work demonstrates that a modified Marx generator can mimic a conventional, loosely coupled spark-gap Tesla transformer (SGTT).

![ Marx generator imitating a spark-gap Tesla transformer. (a) Side view showing a metal terminal above a single-layer solenoid inductor and a metal base with power and ground wiring. BP denotes a breakout point to aid spark emission. (b) Spark discharge emitted from the terminal (1/4 s exposure). (c) View beneath the terminal showing the Marx generator inside the solenoid. (d) Side view without the solenoid, showing the Marx generator above a ground plane.[]{data-label="fig1"}](Fig1_McGuyer_MarxCoil){width="8.5cm"}

Fig. 1 shows the modified Marx-generator apparatus, hereafter a Marx coil (MC), which resembles a compact Tesla transformer without a primary coil (omitted because there is no resonant coupling). During operation, it produces repetitive pulses of high voltage at radio frequencies. Like a SGTT, it can be adjusted to produce no, few, or multiple single-ended spark discharges in air depending on the output terminal and power supply configuration. Additionally, it is able to repeatedly breakdown discharge channels from previous pulses, just like SGTTs, as shown by the subtle “banjo” effect 