SDIO pulsed power R&D requirements

The Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO) performs pulse power research and technology base development to satisfy the requirements of six major systems. These systems-neutral particle beams (NPBs), space-based free electron lasers (SBFELs), ground-based lasers (GBLs), electromagnetic launchers (EMLs), laser radars (LRs), and high-power microwaves (HPMs)-are described. The research is focused on component development with mass, volume, and efficiency being the key technology drivers. Order-of-magnitude improvements are in many cases required. These development efforts include those power conditioning devices and components needed to match the electrical characteristics of the power source with those required by the load. Technology areas include energy storage, switching, and power conversion. The specific component requirements and two space experiments integrating developmental components are described.<
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