Publications

GTEM Characterization

Salazar, Robert S.; Daily, Megan D.; Rudys, Joseph M.; Horry, Michael L.

The Gigahertz Transverse ElectroMagnetic (GTEM) test cell propagates planar electromagnetic waves to illuminate a test object with radio frequency (RF) energy within a bounded structure. Once illuminated, the test object produces a response or a transducer measures a parameter inside the test object providing information for computing a transfer function. The transfer function informs a model or additional testing. This report documents the behavior and characterization of the GTEM. The characterization presented in this report uses measurements from electric field measurements spanning a frequency range between 100 kHz and 18 GHz. This report provides guidance for using these results to predict uncertainty of measurements conducted in the GTEM. The GTEM is slightly smaller than EMES (Electromagnetic Environment Simulator); hence, can accommodate objects almost as large as EMES. Sandia acquired the GTEM from ETS Lindgren. ETS Lindgren installed and performed the acceptance test per requirements set forth by Sandia. This document also reports some of the features of the GTEM including safety. Weapons Systems Engineering Assessment Technology (WSEAT) commissioned this effort to provide support to Nuclear Weapons qualification in accordance with Realize Product Sub System (RPSS). Motivation for this effort stems from four qualification programs: B61 LEP, W88 ALT370, W80-4 LEP, and the Mk21 fuze program.