A bipolar pulse forming transmission line module for linear induction
accelerators having first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planar
conductors which form an interleaved stack with dielectric layers between
the conductors. Each conductor has a first end, and a second end adjacent
an acceleration axis. The first and second planar conductors are
connected to each other at the second ends, the fourth and fifth planar
conductors are connected to each other at the second ends, and the first
and fifth planar conductors are connected to each other at the first ends
via a shorting plate adjacent the first ends. The third planar conductor
is electrically connectable to a high voltage source, and an internal
switch functions to short a high voltage from the first end of the third
planar conductor to the first end of the fourth planar conductor to
produce a bipolar pulse at the acceleration axis with a zero net time
integral. Improved access to the switch is enabled by an aperture through
the shorting plate and the proximity of the aperture to the switch.