Next Generation Soft Bremmstrahlung Simulator

The proposed concept has the potential of meeting in full DTRA's Near Term Simulator Goal for a 20-200 keV, 0.03 cal/cm2, 1,000 cm2, < 20 ns FWHM source. Innovations include (1) Parallel Pulse Forming Network for driving low impedance (< 1 ohm) loads; (2) High voltage (300 kV), high current (40 kA), low jitter (< 3 ns), fast rise time (<3 ns) switch; and (3) Fast turn-on graphite fiber cathode fabricated using semi-conductor manufacturing techniques. In Phase I we will demonstrate 100-300 kV voltage holdoff with 1-3 ns jitter, 1-3 ns rise time, and 10-40 kA current. Pulse charging and field distortion triggering will be used. A prototype capable of 0.03 cal/cm2 (< 200 kV endpoint energy) will be demonstrated in Phase II. Technology developed produces (via rapid melt and resolidification) nanophase materials/coatings that combine high hardness with high toughness. This combination is presently unavailable and is expected to revolutionize the materials/coatings market (10 million dollars/year market). Proposed program is collaboration between Nu-Trek (Dr. Rauch) and Texas Tech University (Dr. Kristiansen and Dr. Dickens).