Advanced Nonlinear Transmission Lines as High Power Microwave Sources

Current high power microwave technology typically consists of electron beam sources which require high vacuum and large magnets. Such systems are typically difficult to use in the harsh environment associated with the modern battlefield. These systems are very sensitive to vibrations and typically can be easily damaged if dropped or launched from a weapon system. Nonlinear transmission lines, NLTL’s, are a possible technology to replace standard high power microwave sources. NLTL’s consist of lumped solid nonlinear components such as ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials which change their characteristic permittivity and permeability when saturated by high magnetic and electric fields. The Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics at Texas Tech University has recently had significant success in NLTL research and has demonstrated a >10 MW, 4-5 GHz RF output from a hybrid NLTL. HEM Technologies and the Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics propose to continue this research by developing a model of the hybrid NLTL system and characterize additional materials to include in the model. From the characterization and modeling studies, we will determine the requirements to design a >10 GW system as required for the Phase II. BENEFIT: The commercialization of this system will apply to a variety of applications. In addition to the potential applications of the technology for the defense services, the developed technology has potential as a compact commercial nanosecond high power pulser. Such a device has a variety of applications from general research to medical, industrial, industrial, and communication applications.