Recent trends in high power microwave source research: Multispectral and phase coherent solutions

The development of high power microwave (HPM) sources that can be used in intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) applications has matured over the past two decades. The development of fully electromagnetic particle-in-cell codes has revolutionized the source design process. Virtual prototyping has replaced experimental tinkering to streamline the design of sources with new capabilities. This paper reviews recent advances in HPM source capabilities, particularly those with multispectral capabilities. Additionally, the ganging of several sources in a phase coherent manner to achieve a higher power output will also be reviewed. Not intended as a comprehensive review, this paper will highlight recent examples of advances that are representative of both novel capabilities.