High Power Microwaves

The objective of the proposed research and development work is to create three new types of multiple-pulse, miniature, and autonomous explosive-driven high-power microwave systems. These systems are to be used to construct small to medium caliber munitions (40-mm to 155-mm), to increase the scope of the target set, and to enhance destruction capability as requested by topic A04-221, High Power Microwaves, contained in the U.S. Army SBIR Solicitation 04.3. These types of microwave generators are in-tended to radiate a series of ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses of gigawatt peak power. Another unique feature of the proposed multiple-pulse systems is that they are not based on standard electron beam techniques for radiating high-power microwaves. Rather, they are based on the direct high-efficiency (90%) transformation of high-voltage and high-current pulses into high-power UWB microwave radiation without electron beam-based microwave devices. Such an approach makes the systems smaller, cheaper and more reliable in operation under harsh conditions on the battlefield.