Intense Microwave Radiation Research Articles

New Electromagnetic Threat Protection Systems

The issues discussed in the article refer to a new category of military operations - electronic warfare (EW). In the context of EW, the high-power microwave (HPM) technology currently enables remote disturbances of operations lasting until the circuit is reset or the electronic system is destroyed. The article examines the problem of protection and defence against using HPM pulses. The research used a compact HPM generator developed at the Polish National Centre for Nuclear Research. It has a power of 3MW, an operating frequency of 2.9 GHz and a 3 μs pulse duration, emitted with a repetition rate of 1, 50, 100 and 250 Hz. The developed HPM pulse protection systems were subjected to intense field exposure in the open space of the training ground, in its land and sea sections, and in the circuit with a reverberation chamber. The distribution of the generated field on each measurement station was tested using a high-power D-dot probe, from which the data was transferred to the recording system via an optical fibre link. In all cases, this distribution turned out to be repetitive. The field probe with a logger was used for measurements inside composite structures. Unprotected electronic systems in hobby drones, mobile phones, cameras and systems using sensors based on micro-mechanical units were exposed. An analysis was conducted to check the operation of electronic circuits, effects caused and phenomena occurring during exposures to intense microwave radiation. It was found that the developed system meets the design assumptions in conditions similar to actual exposure to HPM weapons. Screening efficiency has been determined for various spatial configurations of radiation beam incidence. The presented systems for the protection and defence against the effects of HPM weapons implemented in the technology of composite hybrid absorbers enable effective elimination of electromagnetic pulse effects.

Modeling of electrodynamic parameters of microwave sterilizer

For the sterilization of medical instruments, a technology for their immersion heat treatment with intense microwave radiation at the frequency of 2,45 GHz is analyzed. The advantages of this technology in comparison with traditional methods are shown. An electromagnetic model of a microwave sterilizer for surgical tools was built, taking into account the temperature dependence of the complex dielectric permittivity of the immersion medium (water). A rectangular cavity with a waveguide excitation was used as its basic unit. With the help of a numerical model on the finite element method, the values of the reflected and absorbed power, as well as the heating rate of water in the sterilizer for an operating power of 600 W, were determined. The analysis of thermal processes, performed according to a simplified method, showed a rather high efficiency of such device, which provides a high heating rate at a given frequency.

The Sun and Space Weather

The explosion of space weather research since the early 1990s has been partly fueled by the unprecedented, uniform, and extended observations of solar disturbances from space- and ground-based instruments. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from closed magnetic field regions and high-speed streams (HSS) from open-field regions on the Sun account for most of the disturbances relevant to space weather. The main consequences of CMEs and HSS are their ability to cause geomagnetic storms and accelerate particles. Particles accelerated by CME-driven shocks can pose danger to humans and their technological structures in space. Geomagnetic storms produced by CMEs and HSS-related stream interaction regions also result in particle energization inside the magnetosphere that can have severe impact on satellites operating in the magnetosphere. Solar flares are another aspect of solar magnetic energy release, mostly characterized by the sudden enhancement in electromagnetic emission at various wavelengths—from radio waves to gamma-rays. Flares are responsible for the sudden ionospheric disturbances and prompt perturbation of Earth’s magnetic field known as magnetic crochet. Nonthermal electrons accelerated during flares can emit intense microwave radiation that can drown spacecraft and radar signals. This review article summarizes major milestones in understanding the connection between solar variability and space weather.

Generation of microwave and terahertz radiation in a medium of nanoparticles

We investigate the mechanism of radiation generation, whose source are modulated with the variable $$(x - \upsilon t)$$ surface currents in elongated nanoparticles forming a 3D structure. Carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons are considered as elongated nanoparticles. The volume fraction $$f < < 1$$ of nanoparticles is considered small (the distance between the centers of nanoparticles is several times greater than their length), thus allowing one to neglect the interaction of two identical nanotubes due to the tunneling effect. Since the velocity of modulated surface currents $$\upsilon$$ in 3D structure greater than the phase velocity of the light in a medium, then the process is qualitatively similar to the Cherenkov radiation by a system of dipoles that move with the velocity $$\upsilon$$ . In the case of $$\alpha$$ -aligned nanofilms based on nanotubes, the radiation wavefront will have a form of a divergent wedge. It is shown that such a structure can generate intense microwave and terahertz radiation and an estimate of the radiation value is made.

Ultra-rapid microwave sintering

The results of microwave sintering of powder materials in the regimes with high heating rates and zero hold time at maximum temperature are reported. Microwave processing of compacted samples based on Al2O3, Y2O3, MgAl2O4, and Yb:(LaY)2O3 ceramics was carried out using a 6 kW/24 GHz gyrotron system. The volumetric absorption of intense microwave radiation resulted in a very rapid densification with the duration of the high-temperature stage of sintering on the order of one to several minutes. In the rapid microwave heating regimes the effective high-frequency conductivity of the materials increased sharply at a certain threshold temperature as a result of the overheating instability, also known as thermal runaway. This suggests that the ultra-rapid sintering occurs via grain-boundary softening and formation of transient liquid phases. The indications of the presence of such phases were observed in the microstructure of the sintered samples. The absorbed microwave power density required for the transition to the ultra-rapid sintering is on the order of 10…100 W/cm3 for a broad class of the materials. The obtained results suggest that ultra-rapid microwave sintering proceeds via essentially the same mechanism as the so-called flash sintering that occurs in the presence of dc or low-frequency ac electric field.

Electromagnetic field effects in the microwave sintering of electrically conductive powders

Rapid sintering of compacted electrically conductive powders under heating by intense microwave radiation is investigated within a one-dimensional simulation model. The model accounts for the effective dielectric and magnetic properties of the powder material, electromagnetic field distribution, heat losses by thermal radiation, and densification. It is demonstrated that metal powders with insulating boundary layers on particles have low dielectric and magnetic losses, which results in a resonant character of microwave absorption. The influence of the interparticle contacts is investigated by introducing an effective electrical conductivity of the boundary layers, which can depend on the density. It is demonstrated that the losses in the boundary layers can stabilize the microwave heating process, facilitating rapid densification.

Millimeter-Wavelength Radiation Used to Sinter Radiotransparent MgAl2O4 Ceramics

We have developed a method for production of high-density MgAl2O4 ceramics characterized by low dielectric losses. The method is based on sintering of ultrafine, high-purity powder materials in the electromagnetic field of intense microwave radiation. The initial nanodimensional magnesium-aluminate powder was synthesized by the sol-gel method and sintered in a gyrotron complex operated at a frequency of 24 GHz. The results of studying the conditions and regimes of microwave sintering of MgAl2O4 ceramics are presented, along with its phase features, microstructural peculiarities, and mechanical and dielectric characteristics. The possibility of controlling the microstructure of the sintered material by varying the regime of RF heating is demonstrated.

Relativistic-microwave theory of ball lightning.

Ball lightning, a fireball sometimes observed during lightnings, has remained unexplained. Here we present a comprehensive theory for the phenomenon: At the tip of a lightning stroke reaching the ground, a relativistic electron bunch can be produced, which in turn excites intense microwave radiation. The latter ionizes the local air and the radiation pressure evacuates the resulting plasma, forming a spherical plasma bubble that stably traps the radiation. This mechanism is verified by particle simulations. The many known properties of ball lightning, such as the occurrence site, relation to the lightning channels, appearance in aircraft, its shape, size, sound, spark, spectrum, motion, as well as the resulting injuries and damages, are also explained. Our theory suggests that ball lighting can be created in the laboratory or triggered during thunderstorms. Our results should be useful for lightning protection and aviation safety, as well as stimulate research interest in the relativistic regime of microwave physics.

Microwave-dressed electron–impurity interaction in a two-dimensional electron gas system under intense microwave radiation fields and weak magnetic fields

Within a nonperturbative approach, the electron energy transfer rate induced by microwave-dressed electron–impurity interaction is analyzed theoretically in 2DEGs under weak perpendicular magnetic field. We find that for relatively low radiation levels cyclotron resonance (CR) is observed. However, when the radiation becomes intense, the peak of CR begins to split and the splitting increases with radiation intensity. Furthermore, we also show that multiphoton transition channels cannot be neglected in the vicinity of resonant region. The physical reasons behind these interesting finding are discussed.

Conversion of an electromagnetic wave into a periodic train of solitons under cyclotron resonance interaction with a backward beam of unexcited electron-oscillators.

The possibility of the conversion of intense continuous microwave radiation into a periodic train of short pulses by means of resonant interaction with a beam of unexcited cyclotron electron oscillators moving backward is shown. In such a system there is a certain range of parameters where the incident stationary signal splits into a train of short pulses and each of them can be interpreted as a soliton. It is proposed to use this effect for amplitude modulation of radiation of short wavelength gyrotrons.

Features of the microwave radiation under the fan instability development and accelerated electron interaction with magnetic ripples in the FT-2 tokamak ohmically heated plasma

Results of observation of anomalously intense microwave radiation (MR) in the electron plasma frequency range of 10–20 GHz that is generated continuously during ohmic heating of moderately dense plasma in the FT-2 tokamak are presented. Its appearance is associated with development of the “fan” plasma instability, and the presence of a large number of the local ripples of the toroidal magnetic field. It was found that MR is accompanied by the short gigantic and less intense flashes in the range of magnetic broadening of the first harmonic of the electron gyrofrequency (57–75 GHz). As is known, the latter occurs upon maser amplification of the synchrotron radiation of accelerated electrons interacting with the harmonics of local magnetic ripples in an autoresonance cyclotron mode. In our conditions, due to the nonlinear transformation of plasma waves into electromagnetic ones under the buildup of the fan instability, collective radiation (CR) is generated. Therefore, an abnormally high MR-intensity is probably due to CR maser amplification, whereas gigantic flashes occur during the self-excitation of maser amplifier under suitable conditions.

Emission of highly excited atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere

The emission ability of Rydberg atoms and molecules in the orbitally degenerate states is considered. The mechanisms of their formation in the F, E, and D upper atmosphere layers are analyzed. The characteristic lifetimes of these states in the microwave range are estimated. It is shown that radiation in this range can be accompanied by a cascade of transitions. The possibility of studying the influence of intense atmospheric microwave radiation on living organisms is discussed.

Nonlinear Magnetoresistance Oscillations in Intensely Irradiated Two-Dimensional Electron Systems Induced by Multiphoton Processes

We report on magneto-oscillations in differential resistivity of a two-dimensional electron system subject to intense microwave radiation. The period of these oscillations is determined not only by microwave frequency but also by its intensity. A theoretical model based on quantum kinetics at high microwave power captures all important characteristics of this phenomenon which is strongly nonlinear in microwave intensity. Our results demonstrate a crucial role of the multiphoton processes near the cyclotron resonance and its harmonics in the presence of strong dc electric field and offer a unique way to reliably determine the intensity of microwaves acting on electrons.

Interaction of microwave radiation undergoing stochastic phase jumps with plasmas or gases

New types of beam-plasma devices generating intense stochastic microwave radiation in the interaction of electron beams with hybrid plasma waveguides were developed and put into operation at the National Science Center Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology (Ukraine). The objective of the paper is to discuss the results of theoretical and experimental studies and numerical simulations of the normal and oblique incidence of linearly polarized electromagnetic waves on an interface between a vacuum and an overcritical plasma. The main results of the reported investigations are as follows: (i) for the parameter values under analysis, the transmission coefficient for microwaves with a stochastically jumping phase is one order of magnitude greater than that for a broadband regular electromagnetic wave with the same spectral density; (ii) the electrons are heated most efficiently by obliquely incident waves with a stochastically jumping phase and, in addition, the electron distribution function has a high-energy tail; and (iii) necessary conditions for gas breakdown and for the initiation of a microwave discharge in stochastic fields in a light source are determined. The anomalously large transmission coefficient for microwaves, the anomalous character of the breakdown conditions, the anomalous behavior of microwave gas discharges, and the anomalous nature of collisionless electron heating, are attributed to stochastic jumps in the phase of microwave radiation.

Focused microwaves in electrochemical processes

The effects of high intensity microwave radiation in electrochemistry are summarized and discussed. In situ microwave activation of electrochemical processes has been introduced recently and is possible by placing a carefully designed electrochemical cell directly into a microwave cavity. Self-focusing of intense microwave radiation occurs into a region close to the electrode | solution (electrolyte) interface of a microelectrode placed into the electrochemical cell. The electrode diameter and the electrode material strongly affect the observed mass transport enhancement and temperature effects. Experiments have been conducted to determine the temperature at the electrode surface electrochemically and to quantify the rate of chemical processes which occur in the vicinity of the electrode under high intensity microwave conditions. The effects of microwaves in a wide range of solvent systems from aqueous solutions to organic solvents (DMSO, acetonitrile, DMF, formamide) and in an ionic liquid (BMIM +PF 6 −) have been investigated. Considerable current and temperature enhancements are observed in all solvents and are explained based on the interaction of microwaves with the liquid (electrolyte) and the physical properties of the liquids or solutions.

Microwave enhanced electrochemistry: mass transport effects and steady state voltammetry in the sub-millisecond time domain

In situ microwave activation of electrochemical processes is possible by self-focusing of intense microwave radiation into a region close to the electrode|solution (electrolyte) interface of a microelectrode placed inside a microwave cavity. A systematic study of the microwave activation effects in electrochemical processes is reported for two redox systems, Fe ( CN ) 6 3 - / 4 - and Ru ( NH 3 ) 6 3 + / 2 + , in aqueous KCl solution. Platinum microelectrodes of 100, 50, and 25 μm diameter are employed and at the 25 μm diameter electrode, extreme current enhancements of up to three orders of magnitude are detected. A typical Nernst diffusion layer thickness in aqueous solution of less than 100 nm can be achieved routinely and, consequently, high temperature steady state voltammetry is possible in the sub-millisecond time domain. Volatile reagents reduce the efficiency of this effect and therefore a steam bubble mechanism is proposed to explain the observations. Microwave effects on the rate of interfacial electron transfer are discussed.

Microwave enhanced electrochemistry: mass transport effects and steady state voltammetry in the sub-millisecond time domain

In situ microwave activation of electrochemical processes is possible by self-focusing of intense microwave radiation into a region close to the electrode|solution (electrolyte) interface of a microelectrode placed inside a microwave cavity. A systematic study of the microwave activation effects in electrochemical processes is reported for two redox systems, Fe ( CN ) 6 3 - / 4 - and Ru ( NH 3 ) 6 3 + / 2 + , in aqueous KCl solution. Platinum microelectrodes of 100, 50, and 25 μm diameter are employed and at the 25 μm diameter electrode, extreme current enhancements of up to three orders of magnitude are detected. A typical Nernst diffusion layer thickness in aqueous solution of less than 100 nm can be achieved routinely and, consequently, high temperature steady state voltammetry is possible in the sub-millisecond time domain. Volatile reagents reduce the efficiency of this effect and therefore a steam bubble mechanism is proposed to explain the observations. Microwave effects on the rate of interfacial electron transfer are discussed.

Microwave activation in ionic liquids induces high temperature–high speed electrochemical processes

Self-focusing of intense microwave radiation at the tip of a 25 microm diameter platinum disk microelectrode immersed into the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM(+)PF(6)(-)) containing 1 mM ferrocene causes dramatically (two orders of magnitude) enhanced voltammetric current signals and temperatures in excess of 600 K (at the electrode surface)--extreme conditions sufficient for condensed phase pyrolysis processes to occur.

Penetration of microwave radiation into water: Effect of induced transparency

The propagation of intense microwave radiation in a water column is studied experimentally. The effect of induced transparency of water is discovered. The effect is related to the successive heating of water layers from the surface deep into the water column. The interaction of intense microwave radiation with water is simulated with account of variations in the electrophysical water parameters. The simulation results are compared with the experimental data.

Microwave activation of electrochemical processes: enhanced electrodehalogenation in organic solvent media.

The effect of high-intensity microwave radiation focused into a "hot spot" region in the vicinity of an electrode on electrochemical processes with and without coupled chemical reaction steps has been investigated in organic solvent media. First, the electrochemically reversible oxidation of ferrocene in acetonitrile and DMF is shown to be affected by microwave-induced thermal activation, resulting in increased currents and voltammetric wave shape effects. A FIDAP simulation investigation allows quantitative insight into the temperature distribution and concentration gradients at the electrode / solution interface. Next, the effect of intense microwave radiation on electroorganic reactions is considered for the case of ECE processes. Experimental data for the reduction of p-bromonitrobenzene, o-bromonitrobenzene, and m-iodonitrobenzene in DMF and acetonitrile are analyzed in terms of an electron transfer (E), followed by a chemical dehalogenation step (C), and finally followed by another electron-transfer step (E). The presence of the "hot spot" in the solution phase favors processes with high activation barriers.