Abstract: Disclosed is a tunable microwave-initiated antenna igniter. The device includes a pair of tunable microstrip antennas on a substrate configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation frequency that provides ignition energy; and a conductive material spanning a dielectric gap between the pair of tunable microstrip antennas. The conductive material spanning the dielectric gap can include a dielectric epoxy or a bridgewire. The microstrip antennas are tunable for frequency and bandwidth by varying dipole length and/or width. Tuning causes the microstrip antennas to reject accidental ignition from an off frequency high power microwave field. The tunability, bandwidth selectivity, and low energy requirements allow for use of the tunable microwave-initiated antenna igniters in a number of new and challenging ignition applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tunable microwave-initiated antenna igniter. The device includes a pair of tunable microstrip antennas on a substrate configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation frequency that provides ignition energy; and a conductive material spanning a dielectric gap between the pair of tunable microstrip antennas. The conductive material spanning the dielectric gap can include a dielectric epoxy or a bridgewire. The microstrip antennas are tunable for frequency and bandwidth by varying dipole length and/or width. Tuning causes the microstrip antennas to reject accidental ignition from an off frequency high power microwave field. The tunability, bandwidth selectivity, and low energy requirements allow for use of the tunable microwave-initiated antenna igniters in a number of new and challenging ignition applications.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for modifying and enhancing pyrotechnic emissions and effects are provided including systems for irradiating pyrotechnic emissions using electromagnetic radiation sources with programmable electromagnetic radiation profiles. Exemplary systems include coupling an electromagnetic radiation source to a pyrotechnic device to irradiate pyrotechnic emissions or irradiating pyrotechnic emissions with an external electromagnetic radiation source. Exemplary methods include identifying a desired pyrotechnic emission output and designing an emission and effect output to meet the desired output.