RF Enhanced Munitions

In this Phase II project, we will build and demonstrate a Spiral-Line Vector Inversion Generator that can take electrostatically stored energy and convert it to high power, high frequency electromagnetic energy in essentially a one-component, one-stepprocess in a power range necessary for RF weapons. We will build upon the results from Phase I which provided a sound theoretical description of the Vector Inversion Generator, established design guidelines from the theory and established a relevantswitch and materials database for these devices. Further, we will demonstrate that the device can operate, depending on the initial voltage, at peak power levels greater than 100 MW. Using ferrite isolation, this work will concentrate on minimal size, inthe range of 10-15 cm diameter, with maximum generated power in a single pulse. This device greatly simplify power conditioning for some directed energy weapons concept since it effectively combines the basic energy storage media with the powerconditioning in one dynamic element. In Phase II, we will also build and test a VIG that produces a well-defined and repeatable high power pulse at high repetition rates. Both of these devices will be connected to