Research Summaries

Back Electronic Warfare for Fleet Protection

Fiscal Year 2021
Division Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department Electrical & Computer Engineering
Investigator(s) Woods, Lucas E.
Sponsor Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific (Navy)
Summary Electronic warfare provides a valuable, but under-utilized tool for fleet protection. These emissions provide a reliable, effective tool for de-escalation when a ship or unit is threatened by aggressive actions. Specific frequency emissions can also limit harmful effects from an adversary’s attacks.
Laser interactions with matter can be used to affect electronic components at range. Specifically, directed energy of radio (RF) and optical frequencies (OF) is known to affect semiconductor reliability. The directed energy imparts a force on the base crystal structure. Sufficient time under strain can cause defects and dislocations, leading to structural change. Sufficient magnitude of force can produce the same changes. Structural changes cause degradation in semiconductor performance.
The purpose of this study is to understand the mechanics of semiconductor reliability under directed energy environments. The directed energy source is limited to that inherent on current United States Naval assets. Using existing infrastructure prevents additional time and cost expenses for acquisition. It also limits additional shipboard radio frequency measurement requirements.
Methods to gather data will improve upon previous research. Silvaco modeling software will be used to simulate various RF and OF environments. Industry activity will provide a pulse radiation lab to refine simulated results. Findings will be presented for NIWC and industry activity use.
Keywords Electronic Warfare Directed Energy
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal