Typical Classification
Unclassified, Public Release
Typical Duration
Half-day course
Course Description
Introduction to High Power Microwave Systems provides an introduction to RF Directed Energy weapons, also known as High Power Microwave (HPM) weapons. The course consists of five parts:
- a general introduction to the basic terms and concepts
- prime power and pulsed power systems needed to drive HPM devices
- HPM sources to include concepts and examples
- HPM narrowband and wideband antennas
- design and fabrication of HPM systems
At the end of the class, students know what RF-DEWs are and how they differ from classical Electronic Warfare and nuclear EMP. Students learn the various ways to design and develop HPM subsystems to include the fundamental concepts through the practical construction of such systems (science and engineering). Technology discussions show the difference between narrow band (NB) and ultra-wide band (UWB) sources, antennas and diagnostics, as well as the principal elements of the power systems needed to support them. The course concludes with a examples of HPM systems developed in the recent years. Topics covered include:
- Definitions, motivation, notional concepts
- Technology - Power Sources and Power Conditioning, Microwave Oscillators, Antennas, Diagnostics
- System level design for multiple application
Intended Audience
Newcomers to the field of RF-DEW or managers with some background in science and engineering benefit the most from this course.