We are creating the world's most trusted encyclopedia and knowledge base. Once you join us and log in, you'll be able to edit this page instantly!

From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a phenomenon, usually associated with the explosion of a nuclear weapon but also by the operation of specialized generators driven by conventional explosives, which produces radiation in the radiofrequency and lower-frequency electrical bands. The pulse produced by this phenomenon may damage or destroy electrical or electronic components. Note that ionizing radiation from nuclear explosions also can directly damage solid-state electronic components, but by a different mechanism than EMP.

The best-known scenario for large-scale damage by EMP involves the explosion of a high-yield nuclear weapon at a very high altitude.

Characteristics of EMP

Vulnerability has two components:

• Coupling modes possible between the EMP source and the equipment

• Front door coupling goes through an antenna intended to receive power in the frequency range being generated
• Back door coupling in which the EMP produces surges in power (including ground) and communications wire.

• The level of energy coupled that will damage or destroy a particular target.

Generating EMP

While EMP often is assumed to be a characteristic of nuclear weapons alone, such is not the case. ^[1]. Several open-literature techniques, requiring only conventional explosives, or, in the case of high power microwave, a large electrical power supply, perhaps one-shot as with capacitors, can generate a significant EMP:

• Explosively pumped flux compression generators (FCG)
• Explosive and Propellant Driven MHD Generators
• High Power Microwave Sources - Spark gaps or the Vircator

References