Stand-alone, FCG-driven High Power Microwave system

An explosively driven High Power Microwave (HPM) source has been developed that is based on the use of a Flux Compression Generator (FCG) as the primary driver. Four main components comprise the HPM system, and include a capacitor-based seed energy source, a dual-staged FCG, a power conditioning unit and an HPM diode (reflex-triode vircator). Volume constraints dictate that the entire system must fit within a tube having a 15 cm diameter, and a length no longer than 1.5 m. Additional design restrictions call for the entire system to be stand-alone (free from any external power sources). Presented here are the details of HPM system, with a description of each subcomponent and its role in the generation of HPM Waveforms will be shown which illustrate the development of power as it commutates through each stage of the system, as well as power radiated from the diode. Analysis and comparisons will be offered that will demonstrate the advantages of an explosively driven HPM system over more conventional pulsed power devices.

I. INTRODUCTION

The progression of technology has led to the interest of using High Power Microwaves (HPM) in a broadening range of applications. Examples of more modern HPM-related applications include particle accelerators, plasma heating, space propulsion, power beaming, high power radar and directed energy weapons [1]. The limiting factor for some of these applications is the energy density and transportability of the HPM system. Field-deployed devices, such as active denial, require the system to be mounted on a vehicle and transported to where it is needed. More conventional HPM and pulsed power systems can be somewhat bulky, and are typically not suited for such applications. Although ideas for new, more compact conventional pulsed power systems are constantly being reported, some classes of pulsed power are more inherently suited for these uses.