PhD Studentship: Unconventional Microwave Generator

The project is related to the development of a powerful microwave source, able to operate over an extremely wide frequency range (kHz to 10s of GHz).

Preliminary work at Loughborough University has proven the operation of an unconventional but conceptually simple electromagnetic source, with the output electric field strength scaling with charging voltages between 5 to 30 kV.

This proposal is for proving and characterizing source operation for charging voltages beyond 100 kV, in particular that the electric field strength does increase linearly with the charging voltage up to the high values that are of interest for many defense applications, and that waveform characteristic are maintained.

The investigation is into the physics and technologies of an unconventional microwave source. Specific technology domains include electric pulsed power, high fidelity explosive drive, hydrodynamic modelling, material properties, high power electromagnetics and ultra-fast switching. The main area for research is considered to be the investigation of the mechanisms through which electromagnetic emission is achieved, which will include but not be limited to intrinsic electric breakdown of dielectric materials, antenna operation at ultrahigh frequencies as well as the specific diagnostic methods to be implemented.

The main aim of the research is to better understand the physics and enabling technologies related to an unconventional microwave source, thereby proving and characterizing operation at higher power. The expected outcome is a standalone, extremely compact, light and relatively simple to manufacture pulsed electric field source covering practically all frequencies of interest in applications.

The PhD project is an activity part of the Energy Transfer Skill & Training Hub (STH) that has been set up by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Engineering and Physics Science Research Council (EPSRC) to create a focus for research and skills development in Energy Transfer technologies which will form the basis for future systems for defense and security as well as broader ET applications.

The financial package – PhDs fees are paid for by the STH; individuals are provided a monthly, tax-free stipend and generous allowance for conferences, personal training and research consumables. In addition, the STH will pay for annual STH training and events (e.g. Summer School and conference).

The majority of the practical work will be conducted at Loughborough University, at the Plasma and Pulsed Power Group (P3G) facilities. P3G is a small but highly rated research group (‘Excellent’ for the last few years) within the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, specializing in conventional and explosively driven electrical pulsed power as well as low temperature plasma applications. You will be working alongside several PhD and Masters students, each primarily on their own project and reporting direct to the Professor. Skilled Technician support is available.

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