MINIATURIZED PULSED POWER FOR RF WEAPONS APPLICATIONS

The development of RF weapons required advances in HPM (High Power Microwave) sources, pulsed power, and antennas. The standard line type modulator is well suited to use with Klystrons, Travelling Wave Tubes, and other linear beam tubes, but these devices are presently large and heavy. North Star Research Corp. (NSRC) proposes to develop a transformer/line type modulator which is 3 - 10 times smaller and lighter than existing devices. This development will require advances in pulse transformers, and improvements in pulsed power switching and capactitive energy storage. Advances in all 3 areas will be tested by building a 300 kV, 300 A pulsed power system capable of fitting into a box 8"x8"x24" in size. The pulse transformer will be a particular focus of this effort because the short HPM pulses require very fast risetimes along with significant reductions in size and weight. BLT thyratrons and higher voltage Barium Titanate capacitors will also be tested. The final pulse generator will be deliverable to the Phillips Lab, and will be the precursor for a 300 MW system in Phase II.