PPPS-2013: Frozen wave generator technology as a source of constant amplitude, high power, high frequency radio frequency pulses

Summary form only given. A Frozen Wave Generator, FWG, as a source of RF energy consists of an ensemble of electrostatic energy storage elements, alternately charged positive and negative, that can be switched to produce a constant amplitude oscillatory waveform in the time domain that mimics the spatially stored energy. The oscillatory frequency of this wave is determined by the energy storage elements which can be made up of discrete components or alternately made from transmission line segments. The key to successful generators is the availability of a suitable switch technology. In this paper, we will review the state of the art in FWG technology, contrasting various techniques, and range of frequencies attainable. In general, FWG RF sources need multiple low-loss switches, highly accurate triggering of those switches, and extremely fast impedance collapse to achieve acceptable results. In our laboratory, we have investigated a unique topology that reduces the number of switch elements to a single switch. We will present results for multi-cycle laboratory scale singleswitch FWG RF sources for frequencies as high as 500 MHz. Scaling relations and designs for higher frequency and power will also be presented and discussed within the context of switch requirements and matching to radiating elements.