New developments in electromagnetic energy beaming

Current developments in large-aperture antennas coupled with the projected performance of high-power electron beam and solid-state devices for generation and rectification purposes, make it possible to greatly extend present capabilities of microwave/millimeter-wave beaming systems. These include greatly enhanced radar performance as well as some totally new applications of energy beaming. These extend over a large range of energy densities, all the way from 10^-10W/cm²typical of receiver sensitivities, to energy densities in excess of 10³W/cm²adequate for thermal interaction with many materials. This paper attempts to summarize some of the technology trends which support these applications, particularly in the areas of short range surveillance, space-space beaming, and some long range applications such as space based illumination. Some comparisons are also made with laser beaming, indicating the possible complementary use of both types of devices.