Classification
Unclassified
Distribution
Distribution A: Approved for public release
Instructor
George Che and Matt McQuage
Duration
Half-day morning course runs 0800-1200
Credits awarded
2 CLPs
Course Fee
Standard Registration*: $300 (includes Government Registrations)
Current Full-Time Students*: $100
* $50 Discount on two courses
Course Description
This course will provide an introduction to Radio Frequency (RF) Directed Energy weapons (DEWs), also known as High Power Microwave (HPM) weapons. The course consists of five parts: 1) a general introduction to the basic terms and concepts, 2) prime power and pulsed power systems needed to drive HPM devices, 3) HPM sources to include concepts and examples, 4) narrowband and wideband HPM antennas, and 5) design, fabrication, and testing of HPM systems. At the end of the class, students will know what RF-DEWs are and how they differ from classical Electronic Warfare (EW) and nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Students will learn the various ways to design and develop HPM subsystems to include the fundamental concepts through the practical construction of such systems. Technology discussions will show the difference between narrow band (NB) and ultra-wide band (UWB) sources, antennas and diagnostics, and the principal elements of the power systems needed to support them. The course concludes with examples of US and foreign HPM systems developed in the recent years. Topics to be covered include:
- Definitions, motivation, notional concepts
- Technology - Power Sources and Power Conditioning, Microwave Oscillators, Antennas, Diagnostics
- System level design for multiple applications
Intended Audience
Newcomers to the field of HPM or managers with some background in science and engineering will benefit the most from this course.
Instructor Biography
George Che
Dr. George Che is a Senior Research Engineer in the Antenna Systems Division of the Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute. As Head of the System Characterization and Applications Branch, he oversees a large portfolio comprised of projects in HPM, EMC/EMI, and phased array system development supporting a wide cross section of the DoW. In addition to his technical and leadership roles at GTRI, Dr. Che is jointly-appointed as a part time Assistant Professor of Physics at Kennesaw State University. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Princeton University and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Ph.D. in Exploration Systems Design, both from Arizona State University.
Matt McQuage
Mr. Matt McQuage currently serves as the Navy Distinguished Engineer for Directed Energy at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. As the Department of the Navy’s foremost authority in DE weapon systems, Mr. McQuage leads research, development, test, evaluation, integration, and deployment efforts across advanced DE technologies. He serves as the Navy’s senior SME, facilitating collaboration among Navy, Joint Services, Department of Defense, and international partners.
Previously, Mr. McQuage was the Acting Director of the Joint Directed Energy Transition Office (JDETO), overseeing an $180 million annual budget supporting projects with academic, industry, and government partners worldwide. An internationally recognized expert in High Power Microwave (HPM), pulsed power, and non-kinetic weapon effects, he also advises senior leaders within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies.
He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University . Mr. McQuage’s awards include the 2024 Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the 2016 Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers Award.