In this paper a series of proof‐of‐concept, precursor experiments are identified. Three specific component‐validation, laboratory experimental tasks are described: the first involves the generation of a series of microsecond, nanosecond, and picosecond current pulses utilizing off‐the‐shelf pulse generators and even shorter pulses utilizing state‐of‐the‐art equipment. It is recognized that the power of the HFGW generation is inversely proportional to the square of the pulse length, &Dgr;t, so that short pulse length (and high frequency of a train of pulses) is most desirable. The second task is to utilize the aforementioned pulses to energize, jerk, or otherwise cause a third‐time‐derivative change in motion of a test mass, termed an energizable element. The third task involves the ability to measure the motion of the test mass at megahertz, gigahertz, terahertz and other higher vibrational or jerk frequencies. Specific off‐the‐shelf laboratory equipment and their cost are listed. The energizing elements will involve small coils, activated by current pulses and/or electromagnetic pulses, to energize a small magnet and laser pulses to energize a small mirror or energize other nano‐ or micro‐devices. Once the mechanism for producing the jerk is validated in these tasks (by verifying that the energizing pulses or elements energize or jerk of the energizable element), then that mechanism can be replicated. Those replicated mechanisms can be utilized as micro‐ or nano‐elements in devices that will be now capable of generating HFGW. In this regard, an attosecond‐pulse‐duration, 6 KW HFGW generator is discussed. © 2004 American Institute of Physics