Diagnostics & Control System-for Microwave Processing of Ceramics

The development of diagnostic instruments with temporal and spatial resolution, for monitoring and controlling microwave based processing of ceramics and nanopowders is proposed. Emphasis is placed on techniques relevant to NRL's experimental plan and having significant commercial applications. Diagnostics for monitoring and possibly imaging temperature, dielectric properties and densification are proposed. The potential and pitfalls for using short pulses for power control in ceramic applications will also be explored. An expert team has been assembled under the aegis of CRS, that includes contributors from the IAP in Nizhmy Novgorod, Russia, and the University of Maryland. This will allow for extreme leverage of information and resources in Phase I and collaboration with major ongoing efforts during subsequent phases.