Cathode Characterization-Test Bed
We have partnered with AFRL/RX, Drexel University and Dexmat Inc to work on novel woven CNT cathodes for High Power Microwave sources.
These different geometries, materials and woven compositions are being characterized for current turn on, current density and for plasma generation - That nice looking blue light, pretty as it may be and how it evolves is a concern.
LTD Capabilities
Our LTD accelerator is capable of generating fields, turn on, AK gaps, pulse lengths and currents similar to those found in HPM sources - in a nutshell a perfect surrogate for these
Diagnostic Capabilities
Aside from absolute current measurements our group counts with temporally resolved and soon to be fielded time resolved spectroscopic diagnostics as well as X-ray diagnostics and interferometric instruments to help us measure that pretty blue light and what makes it, where it goes and how it moves.
LTD experiments
Driving our Cathode experiments presently. Will drive our HEDP experiments and serve as a test bed for our high speed optical diagnostics