Autonomous RF Radiation Package for Various Applications

Abstract

The development of an autonomous RF radiation package for various applications is presented. This work is a coordinated effort to develop a tightly integrated unit, including the batteries, power supply, Marx generator, and plug and play antennas for various applications. ARC technology has designed the Marx generator and its associated high voltage antennas for this effort. Previous work by ARC has demonstrated 75 mm diameter, 700 mm length diameter Marx generators capable of delivering 200 kV pulses into 50 Omega coaxial cable with sub-nanosecond risetimes, enabling it to drive an antenna and generate high power microwaves. This technology has been re-designed into a reduced length geometry and augmented by inductive charging to permit pulse repetition rates. The antenna is incorporated directly onto the Marx output for efficient energy transfer and for compactness. This package has demonstrated peak electric field strengths up to 4700 V/m at 10 m. Texas Tech University has worked closely with ARC in developing a rapid charging power supply to meet stringent package constraints and still permit high pulse repetition rates. This system has already demonstrated the ability to charge a 50 nF capacitance up to 40 kV with a repetition frequency of 100 Hz, delivering an average power of 4 kW. This paper details the present status of the project, which will be completed in July, 2005. The cylindrical geometry of the final package has a diameter of 155 mm, a length of approximately 1500 mm without the antenna, and a mass of approximately 35 kg, depending upon the chosen antenna implementation. Results of preliminary tests are included.