July 9, 2021
Colloquium Topic: Analysis of Rapidly Printed Flexible Metamaterials for Microwave Weapon Defense
Over the past two decades, U.S. adversaries have been developing disruptive, non-kinetic weapons, which has led to the development of counter-high-powered microwave (HPM) technologies. In partnership with NASA ARC, NPS is developing a low-cost and rapidly reproducible metamaterial structure to defend against HPM and HPM-like attacks on computer systems. This research examines and evaluates inkjet-printed metamaterials and the resultant designs to analyze their potential to protect critical electronics. It builds upon recent research conducted at NPS that studied different inkjet-printed metamaterial samples provided by NASA ARC and found interesting absorbing properties. All samples exhibit resonant absorption in specific frequencies within the 2 to 10 GHz region, which is considered a critical frequency band for most conventional electronic circuitry.
A desktop computer enclosure was used as the testing environment and selective Q-suppression measurements were performed upon coating the internal walls with the printed metamaterial. The results were compared to commercial absorbers to provide figures of performance. The simulated and measured data showed evident Q-suppression in their absorption bands, indicating that these rapidly produced metamaterials will likely operate well for their intended purpose.
Colloquium Speaker: LT Matthew Henricks
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, LT Matthew Henricks commissioned upon graduating from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Industrial Management and minors in Systems and Industrial Engineering, and Military Science and Leadership.
His sea duty assignments include division officer tours with LCS Crew 104 onboard both USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) and Milwaukee (LCS 5) as an Auxiliary Officer and USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47) as Assistant Damage Control Assistant. During his tours, he commisioned LCS 5 and deployed to Singapore and the Indonesian region in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific rebalance as well as Oceania for the U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and the Oceanic Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI).
Ashore, Lieutenant Henricks was a student at the Naval Postgraduate School earning a Master of Science degree in Combat Systems Engineering in Dec 2020. Currently, he is employed as a at SUPSHIP Gulf Coast as a ship superintendent for DDG-123.
LT Henricks’ personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and multiple unit and service awards.