Increased global volatility motivates the development of devices for nonlethal deterrence, and directed energy devices can provide forceful persuasion at a distance for both civilian and military peacekeepers. Thus, developing compact, high power microwave (HPM) devices could facilitate fielding devices for nonlethal defense with increased standoff range, or for radar and weapons systems on aircraft or ships.  

This program will assess the feasibility of novel material designs for nonlinear transmissions lines. The result will produce faster rise-times to high-power microwave pulses while providing enhanced flexibility to the system design. Purdue's research group will focus on modeling material and system behavior as well as the development and testing of material behavior.

The devices will be tested using the linear transformer drivers in Professor Ryan McBride’s laboratory at the University of Michigan.

Additional guidance will be provided by Dr. Walter Sessions of GTRI and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division for system development and the ultimate application to the directed energy and HPM systems.

Garner recently received additional funding through a three-year, $509,000 project from the Office of Naval Research entitled “Nanoscale Effects on Gas Breakdown and Electron Emission.” More information on that award can be found via the following: http://bit.ly/garnernaval.