High Power Microwave Sources

The ability to generate high Electromagnetic fields at the needed frequency, with long pulse length and high repetition rate has been a long standing goal in the national interest. The HPM/HEDP laboratory at UNM is carrying out HPM research on multiple fronts to ultimately help solve these issues. Our laboratory is developing compact high energy sources that are focused on solving the issue of neutral desorption leading to radiation cut-off and low rep rate, as well as on novel concepts for creating on command frequency agile sources.

From idea to concept to model to actual build- Physics guides us. This is how we build sources

Concept to Model

Our PIC models are well validated and robust and allow us to design in numerical space. This also allows us to work on any variation prior to fabrication. For example we can turn on/off ion emission in different regions on command. Top inset is in 3d sim space.

We have designed a Modular HPM source.

This is a test bed for new technologies. From Cathode development to desorbate reduction. It is replete with axial and azimuthal diagnostics- Electrical (current), spectroscopic, interferometric and X-ray. All are spatially and temporally resolved.

We have built an HPM Source

A modular device that can accomodate internal as well as external changes and is replete with a full suite of plasma diagnostics, axial and azimuthal to yield improvements in the performance of the device. Inset is the inner conductor showing apertures for current, voltage and ion measurements.

Will be mated to Transmission Line and Marx generator. Results coming soon

We are designing different type of sources

We are also designing new HPM sources based on different geometries. Our intent is to build the next geneation of HPM devices and build these with new capabilities. We are working on MILOs, magnetron and other geometries. Our work on this front has resulted in the application for 3 patents

Temporal evolution of particles in device

This numerical simulation shows the electron distribution at 2 different times. The first one is near the onset of the voltage pulse, with electrons not yet filling the AK gap. 2nd image shows a fullly evolved pulse with electrons in synchonism with the fields in the cavities.