Nonlinear Composite NLTL for Compact High-Power Microwave Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-power microwave (HPM) sources, such as NLTLs, require large footprints due to the need for auxiliary systems like high voltage modulators, and there is a need for a more compact configuration.
Innovation Solution
A composite material comprising non-linear dielectric and magnetic inclusions, such as nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) and barium strontium titanate (BST), is used in a transmission line to generate high-power microwaves with reduced auxiliary systems, utilizing the capacitance and inductance of the NLTL to produce fast rise-time pulses and microwave oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional HPM sources use vacuum tubes and auxiliary systems, then high power microwave output is achieved, but system footprint becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes vacuum tubes and auxiliary systems (cryogenic cooling, electromagnets, high voltage modulators, vacuum systems) from the HPM generation process, retaining only the essential non-linear transmission line component that can generate high power microwaves independently
Solution Approach 2:
The non-linear transmission line is designed to self-generate high power microwave bursts without requiring external auxiliary systems, using its own non-linear material properties to produce the required voltage pulses and microwave oscillations
2Area of stationary object
If traditional NLTLs eliminate some auxiliary systems, then footprint is reduced, but high voltage modulator is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the high voltage modulator from the system by designing the non-linear transmission line to self-generate the required voltage pulses through its non-linear material characteristics, eliminating the need for external voltage multiplication equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The non-linear transmission line performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the voltage pulse generator and the microwave oscillator, eliminating the need for separate high voltage modulator and RF amplifier components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite-based NLTL achieves compact HPM generation with efficient microwave oscillations, reducing the system footprint and enhancing output power and frequency, with oscillations ranging from 950 MHz to 2.2 GHz and peak powers up to 160 kW.
Implementation Method 1
non-linear permittivity and/or permeability of materials to produce high power radiofrequency (RF) output
Implementation Method 2
non-linear permittivity and/or permeability of materials to produce high power radiofrequency (RF) output
Implementation Method 3
utilizing the capacitance and inductance of the NLTL to produce fast rise-time pulses
Implementation Method 4
utilizing the capacitance and inductance of the NLTL to produce fast rise-time pulses
Implementation Method 5
produce fast rise-time pulses and microwave oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission line is disclosed which includes a first conductor, a second conductor, a composite disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor, the composite includes non-linear inclusions comprising one or more of non-linear dielectric and non-linear magnetic inclusions mixed in a matrix material, wherein the non-linear dielectric inclusions are selected from the group consisting of barium strontium titanate (BST), barium titanate, strontium titanate, barium zirconate titanate, lead zirconate titanate, lead titanate, lithium niobate, potassium niobate, lead scandium tantalate, strontium barium niobate, and combinations thereof, and the non-linear magnetic inclusions are selected from the group consisting of nickel zinc ferrite (NZF), manganese zinc ferrite, cobalt ferrite, manganese ferrite, zinc ferrite, nickel ferrite, and combinations thereof, wherein the non-linear inclusions by volume are about 25% NZF, about 10% BST/15% NZF, and about 15% BST/10% NZF, and wherein the first conductor, the second conductor, and the composite form a capacitor.