Theory and Experiments on Magnetically Insulated Line Oscillator (MILO)
Abstract
This proposal describes a research program to generate multi-spectral,high power microwaves from the Magnetically-Insulated-Line Oscillator(MILO). The MILO is a crossed-field device, basically, a linear magnetron,in which the magnetic field is self-generated by the electron current,thereby eliminating the need for external magnets/ magnetic field coils.This means that the MILO is more compact, and lighter than other HPMsources, including the relativistic magnetron. The topic of MILO wasinvestigated extensively throughout the 1990~s with excellent results,particularly at the Air Force Research Laboratories. However, since thattime there have been major developments in: 1) low impedance, highcurrent pulsed power (Linear Transformer Driver, LTD), 2) 3-D EM particlein cell codes, and 3) innovative manufacturing techniques (e.g., additivemanufacturing/ 3D printing) that justify a new examination of MILO in theUSA. It should be mentioned that Chinese laboratories have extensivelyinvestigated MILO and LTD in recent years, so it is crucial that the USrefresh and rejuvenate MILO research to avoid technological surprises.Previous ONR research at the University of Michigan, demonstrated thatthe Multi-frequency Recirculating Planar Magnetron (MFRPM) conceptcould generate 10~s MW, high power microwaves in two differentfrequency bands, simultaneously. It is expected that the MILO couldgenerate even higher power levels at single or multiple frequencies. Thisresearch will consist of analytic theory (e.g., MILO Buneman-Hartreecondition), 3-D EM PIC simulations and experiments.The first year of this research program will concentrate on fundamentalresearch to develop the scaling laws (e.g., Buneman-Hartree condition),computational modeling and single frequency experiments on the MILO.The second and third year will become more applied MILO research withtechnology transfer to the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren. UMwill collaborate closely with University of New Mexico (UNM) as well asNSWC-Dahlgren.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912262
Entities
People
- Ronald Gilgenbach
Organizations
- Board of Regents of the University of Michigan
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy