High-Power Microwave Arrays Based on Phase Locked Magnetrons

Narrowband high-power microwave sources are under development for possible military applications. Defeating improvised explosive devices (anti-IED) and non-lethal anti-personnel effects are both of interest. The possible success of meeting the requirements of these applications can be increased by combining, in a coherent manner, the output of several microwave tubes. Magnetrons, being the most compact, most robust, and most efficient source of high-power microwaves are the obvious choice for development in this direction. Coherent combining of power requires control over the operational phase of the tube. In the proposed work, we will explore the feasibility of using a low-amplitude injected control signal to control the phase of a magnetron. This work will be performed in a computational and theoretical framework in Phase I. Demonstration of feasibility will lead to experimental investigations of phase locking two magnetrons in Phase II. BENEFIT: The primary benefit we anticipate from a successful Phase I/Phase II program is an approach for using commercially available magnetrons in arrays that allow high-power to be applied to applications such as anti-IED and active denial effects such as microwave hearing. A very long range application would be within the framework of an integrated electronics warfare system, such as the replacement for the Aegis Combat System. Commercial benefits include increasing production rates in engineered wood manufacturing.