Propulsion for Miniature Munitions

There is currently an intensive effort to develop a new generation of miniature munitions that maximize flight endurance time and/or operate efficiently under a variety of flight conditions. A key subsystem of these munitions is the propulsion system. A major advance in propulsion technology would be extremely valuable. First Point Scientific, Inc. proposes to address this need by developing a new and highly advanced concept for storing energy in the form of antimatter. This concept is based on the containment of positrons in specially prepared porous materials. The technical objectives of the Phase I project are: (1) to produce an experimental apparatus for measuring key properties of the new positron storage concept; (2) to establish the scientific feasibility of the concept by measuring the positron reflection coefficient from helium coated silica, and by measuring the lifetime in porous silica; and (3) to use the experimental data to design a laboratory prototype positron storage device to be constructed in Phase II. Success in the proposed effort will have benefits far beyond the application area proposed. For example, it will provide a key ingredient for the development of a gamma ray laser.