SOLID-STATE HIGH-VOLTAGE PULSER FOR HPM APPLICATIONS

Metamagnetics proposes the research and development of a compact, reliable, cost-effective and reconfigurable pulsed-voltage source based on drift step recovery diodes (DSRD) for high-power microwave generation applications. The output parameters of the pulsed-voltage source determine the efficiency and agility in the use of electromagnetic spectrum and influence, among other factors, the operating frequency, bandwidth, and frequency dispersion of the HPM output of the system. The specific technology used to implement the pulsed-voltage source further affects the overall system size and weight. It is clear that in order to realize compact HPM systems that deliver a favorable combination of performance, size, weight, and power, the fundamental challenge of generating high-voltage pulses to drive these systems has to be addressed. Described herein, is a research and development program aimed at addressing the specific challenges of excitation of HPM sources through a combination theoretical and experimental effort aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art in Navy"s HPM capabilities.