Improved Plasma Limiter for Electromagnetic Attack Rejection in BMDS Radars

Plasma Sciences Corporation (PSC) will build upon previous and ongoing research in transient voltage phenomena to develop a microwave front end limiter that can withstand high power RF interference with minimal impact on normal operations. Participating in the effort is Professor Popovic of Old Dominion University (ODU), a subject matter expert, who will support plasma computer modeling, simulation and analysis. Phase I efforts will demonstrate through modeling, simulation, and brassboard limiter tests, the feasibility of using plasma electromagnetic absorption and scattering properties to enhance performance of ongoing plasma limiter developments using reflective properties of an ionized gas to protect against high power transients. A Phase II effort will build prototype hardware for testing in a representative environment. In Phase III, PSC will work with radar prime contractors to integrate a prototype into an operational system and initiate limiter production.