Posted on 02/10/2010 9:39:46 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Air Force Research Laboratory-funded researchers at the University of Michigan invented a new type of magnetron that may be used in defeating enemy electronics. A vital component of military radar systems since World War II, a magnetron is a kind of vacuum tube that serves as the frequency source in microwave ovens, radar systems, and other high-power microwave circuits. The newly devised technology--which is more compact, exhibits faster start-up, and demonstrates higher peak and average power than current devices--should enable higher-power, higher-frequency operation and, thus, improved potential for jamming and defeat of adversarial systems.
While basic magnetron design has changed little over time, the UM researchers were able to exploit established plasma physics principles in conjunction with innovative geometry to overcome the physical limitations of standard magnetrons, and in doing so, they successfully revolutionized both conventional and inverted design variations.
By expanding negatively charged electrode (cathode) and positively charged electrode areas, the team produced a new device that, while more compact than current designs, permits higher currents and supplies a larger area for heat dissipation.
This advance has a significant impact on Air Force radar capabilities, with the technology's higher frequencies promising improved radar resolution and its compact packaging encouraging airborne applications. Ultimately, the UM team intends to explore both a high-power version of the new magnetron and a separate, higher-frequency (i.e., millimeter-wave) embodiment.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacewar.com ...
But does it heat sausages?
Ping.
Well by all means they should tell the friggin world about it. Heck, during the Battle of Britain the Germans were not aware what all the radar towers were. Can you imagine Churchill coming out with, “We have a cool new defensive weapon which tells us where Jerry is flying in...”
parsy, who can’t believe these guys
DARPA has a very bad habit of telegraphing their projects to the world.
Harnessing the ability to make and control microwave was critical for WW2 and has greatly improved our lives. Lightwaves, terahertz, and one day a true understanding of magnetic forces... Who says technology has reached a limit?
I have always believed in bigger budgets in military technology because it filters down to the civilian world. When it comes to developing technology: more money.
What a microwave could be made with this. Hamburger, one second flat.
My impression from this is that it is now cheaper, lighter, easier. The standard magnetron already makes it possible.
I certainly agree with you. The military supplies the “need” for technology, driven by the requirement for national security, to enable each American the “dream”: Liberty.
More compact yet has a large surface area?
What will they think of next?
I think this has a lot to do with newly developed semi-conductor materials that allow for better conductivity, i.e. efficiency and power transfer.
How soon before the Chinese steal this technology? The ChiComs will use Chinese working directly on project or peripherally to steal the technology
We have tons of foreign graduate students in science and engineering and guess who they will go work for. Where do their loyalties lie?
It won’t be long. Security has so many holes.
Ralph Peter’s most recent war novel http://www.amazon.com/War-After-Armageddon-Ralph-Peters/dp/0765323559 has a scenario where armies and militaries revert back to basic tactics because each side has super-jammers that kill all comms and electronics on the other side
That’s what your post relates too. EMP strikes and jamming. And everyone is able to do it in the future according to Ralph Peters
:)
I have always been interested in EMP and electronic jamming. Especially EW planes.
You are welcome! The book is multi-dimensional and has a strong Christianity vs Islam theme with treachery from all involved
The War in 2020 by Ralph Peters is also good and was out years ago
:)
Rough surfaces have more overall area than smooth surfaces do.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.