Compact High Energy Density Capacitors For Pulsed Field X-Ray Generators

STTR topic DTR27TZ02-NV003 (U.S. Department of Defense – DTRA), Phase I and II. Open to U.S. small businesses; STTR projects partner with a U.S. research institution. Opens: December 2, 2026. Closes: January 6, 2027. High energy density capacitors and their constituent dielectrics are vital components for multiple DoW capability needs for high voltage power supplies, Marx generators, high-power microwave sources, and other pulsed-power technologies. The Missile Defense Agency, ONR, NASA and other government agencies have funded efforts into high energy density capacitors for a variety of applications.1 However, it is still very challenging to fabricate high energy density capacitors that reliably meet ultra-compact size constraints for miniaturized high voltage pulse power applications and in a ruggedized field-use system. Recent prototype development of compact pulsed X-ray generators for portable radiographic imaging applications has underscored the difficulty of scaling capacitor technologies originally developed for larger directed energy and pulsed power systems down to the ultra-compact sizes needed for man-portable or small unmanned systems. Key challenges include preserving dielectric performance and high-voltage hold-off at reduced dimensions, achieving robust voltage reversal tolerance essential for Marx generator topologies, maintaining long operational lifetimes under pulsed conditions with repetition rates up to 100 Hz, and attaining high manufacturing yields with consistent quality for reliable field deployment. This topic specifically targets the development of reliable fabrication processes and advanced dielectric materials to overcome these miniaturization and ruggedization barriers for X-ray generator pulsed power applications. DTRA seeks to develop reliable and efficient fabrication and production processes for compact high energy density capacitors. The solution must meet the following minimum specifications: • Outer Dimensions: No larger than…