EU Breaks Through Small High-power Microwave Launch Technology

The European Union's Seventh R&D Framework Program (FP7) provides funding support. The European NMP R&D team headed by French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA) scientists and technicians achieved a major technological breakthrough in the development of small high-power microwave launchers. The small-sized, high-power microwave oscillator that generates electromagnetic radiation has broad and revolutionary application prospects in radar detection, broadcast television, satellite communications, and of course, microwave ovens.

As an atomic and molecular science, nanoscience and technology are increasingly rapidly penetrating into all walks of life. Microwave oscillators developed using nanotechnology can artificially magnetize nanomagnets without using external magnetic fields. Moreover, the microwave oscillator can withstand the impact of continuous microwave resonance frequency under proper conditions. This type of microwave generator, known as a spin-transfer nano-oscillator, is characterized by its small size, high degree of coordination, and normal operation in a wide temperature range. The key to technological success is to increase output power. The new technology developed by the NMP R&D team has successfully increased the conversion efficiency and power output of spin-transfer nano-oscillators. To increase the output power, we must first solve the synchronization of the multi-oscillator (array) oscillation phase. Optimizing the design of the friction spring, which is a vibration cycle within a given period of time, becomes a difficult point that the R&D team overcomes. It is very important for the delicate manufacture of friction springs. High technical requirements.

The technicians of NMP's R&D team have repeatedly conducted comparative experiments and implemented the design and manufacture of a prototype of a new spin-transfer nano-oscillator on a traditional production line, and optimized the verification of four different coupling mechanisms between the oscillator and the locking phase. Theoretical derivation and experimental methods finally determine the best synchronization phase. The obtained results have confirmed that the output power of the novel spin transfer nano-oscillator is greatly improved, and the phase noise is effectively reduced. The R&D team is planning to start the construction of a simultaneous pilot optimization facility for 10 spin-transfer nano oscillator array devices.