Much-Needed HPM Sources the Pulse of Directed Energy Research Published Oct. 14, 2010 By Mary Rodriguez Directed Energy KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- In response to the Air Force's need for an inexpensive, moderate-power microwave source to support continuing high-power microwave research of benefit to warfighters, Air Force Research Laboratory contracted with Farr Research, Inc., to develop a microwave pulse compressor system. The MPC concentrates and amplifies the power of a microwave pulse by reducing its duration. The resultant compressed pulse has a higher peak power and smaller pulse width than the original pulse from the magnetron, successfully emulating a much-higher-power source using a common commercial magnetron. HPM systems are a form of electronic defense capable of countering enemy attacks while inflicting minimal damage to people and property. The technology can thus negate enemy command and control of information and communications and meanwhile protect troops from a wide variety of missile and munitions threats. In addition, national security requires protective techniques for hardening the nation's systems against hostile HPM attacks. Though HPM sources are under development at AFRL, some are available only as single, prototype units. In order to have additional, less-expensive sources available for research projects, the lab sought development of the MPC, which uses a commercially available magnetron, a resonant cavity, and a plasma switch. Among the design improvements planned for the first prototype MPC--which recently underwent demonstration at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico--is the addition of frequency bands. This improvement--coupled with the accompanying decision to manufacture more units--will greatly enhance AFRL's resources for conducting critical HPM research.