Large-Area Photocathodes (LAP) Proposers Day

PROPOSERS DAY: DARPA will host a Proposers Day in support of DARPA-PS-25-01, LAP program on October 18, 2024, at 4121 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22003, and via Microsoft Teams Meeting from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This conference aims to provide information on the LAP program; promote additional discussion on this topic; address questions from potential proposers; and provide a forum for potential proposers to present their capabilities for teaming opportunities.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE AND DESCRIPTION: The objective of the Large-Area Photocathodes (LAP) program is to develop large-area photocathodes suitable for high-power microwave (HPM) transmission systems. Photocathodes can be found in photomultiplier tubes, image intensifiers, and even free electron lasers. Photocathode materials can also be used in high-power electronics. Low-work function metals or semiconductors are typically applied in sub-micron thicknesses on planar millimeter to centimeter-scale areas.

LAP seeks manufacturable photocathode material systems with high quantum efficiency that can be produced in large areas with substantial lifetimes and manageable handling requirements. LAP will develop and produce photocathodes that the government team will incorporate into a subscale high-power microwave transmitter prototype system.