Unconventional microwave generator

Program Overview

Students will conduct research at Loughborough University's Plasma and Pulsed Power Group, developing skills in numerical modeling and laboratory experimentation. The program provides a generous financial package and access to a network of researchers and industry partners.

Program Outline

Teaching:

Specific technology domains include electric pulsed power, high fidelity explosive drive, hydrodynamic modelling, material properties, high power electromagnetics and ultra-fast switching. 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.

Careers:

Individuals will develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed to achieve a PhD and the technical and professional skills training critical for an academic and industrial career path. The PhD researchers are recruited annually in cohorts; embedded in larger, more experienced research groups; work across STH institutions and partner network; and benefit from the diversity of disciplines and experience the STH community provides. In addition, the STH will pay for annual STH training and events (e.g. Summer School and conference).

Other:

• 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).
• This proposal is for proving and characterising 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 work will allow a proper balance between academic learning and training, numerical modelling and laboratory experimentation.
• The School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering has seen 100% of its research impact rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (REF, 2021).
• The central aim of the STH is to create a community of activity that will provide future leaders in the field through research and training at the cutting edge of ET technology.