LONG SLOT ARRAYS FOR HIGH POWER MICROWAVES
Abstract
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE Antennas are a key component for the development of high-power microwave (HPM) technology. Current research directions include very ultra-wideband (UWB) operation with a low dispersive behavior for short pulse sources and the migration of the systems toward higher frequency bands (X through K bands). In this context, HPM antennas should meet stringent requirementsin terms of gain, efficiency, field of view and size. Space-fed reflectors are an unmatched solution to conceive true time delay (TTD) systems instantaneously illuminating a radiating aperture. The TTD feature allows a very wide band operation with a low dispersive behavior at the cost of size and weight of the radiating device. In this effort, long slot arrays are investigated for the radiation of high-power microwaves in X-band. We will leverage a TTD pillbox and corporate feed network to instantly illuminate the array of slots for a wide field of view and a very large operating band in X-band. The concept will provide significant improvements in size, weight, power and cost over equivalent TTD systems based on space-fed reflectors. Mechanical steering will be investigated fora 2D beam coverage in azimuth and elevation of the visible range. The fulfillment of this effort will provide a new concept for HPM antennas for next generation directed energy weapons with large benefits in terms of size, weight and eventually cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412201
Entities
People
- Mauro Ettorre
Organizations
- Michigan State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy