Electromagnetic pulse: Difference between revisions
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'''Electromagnetic pulse (EMP)''' is a phenomenon, usually associated with the explosion of a | '''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. | The best-known scenario for large-scale damage by EMP involves the explosion of a high-yield nuclear weapon at a very high altitude. | ||
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:*The level of energy coupled that will damage or destroy a particular target. | :*The level of energy coupled that will damage or destroy a particular target. | ||
==Generating EMP== | ==Generating EMP== | ||
While EMP often is assumed to be a characteristic of | While EMP often is assumed to be a characteristic of nuclear weapons alone, such is not the case. <ref name=Kopp1996>{{cite web | ||
| last = Kopp | | last = Kopp | ||
| first = Carlo | | first = Carlo | ||
Revision as of 16:02, 22 March 2024
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
- ↑ Kopp, Carlo (1996). The Electromagnetic Bomb - a Weapon of Electrical Mass Destruction. Globalsecurity.org.