Solid-state, Frequency-Agile High Power Radio Frequency (HPRF) Source

SARA proposes an innovate approach to develop an all solid-state, frequency-agile high power radio frequency (HPRF) source. The approach combines three primary elements: a laser triggered semiconductor switch, a blumlein modulator, and a non-linear transmission line (NLTL). The proposed approach offers a high power semiconductor switch solution that alleviates the optical power and device lifetime issues with previous photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) approaches. Furthermore, the novel system approach can dramatically increases the RF conversion efficiency in the NLTL through a novel bipolar high voltage driver. SARA proposes an approach using a tunable blumlein modulator and configurable NLTLs to span the necessary peak power and operating frequency requirements. SARA proposes to build upon previous component and system experience to advance this technology for the needs of ONR and towards technology commercialization.