EMP (electromagnetic pulsing)

Field

Electronic Warfare, Physics

HEMP Phases

E1, E2, and E3

Impact Range

Varies from small areas (briefcase-sized devices) to 70% of a national power grid (high-altitude nuclear burst)

Natural Sources

Lightning (LEMP), Solar flares (GMD), Meteoric impacts

Alternative Name

Transient electromagnetic disturbance (TED)

Artificial Sources

Nuclear detonations, E-bombs, Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

Primary Application

Countermeasure against autonomous drones

2003-09-01

2017-03-23

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP), also referred to as a transient electromagnetic disturbance (TED), is a brief burst of electromagnetic energy. The origin of an EMP can be natural or artificial, and can occur as an electromagnetic field, as an electric field, as a magnetic field, or as a conducted electric current. The electromagnetic interference caused by an EMP can disrupt communications and damage electronic equipment. An EMP such as a lightning strike can physically damage objects such as [...] A nuclear electromagnetic pulse is the abrupt pulse of electromagnetic radiation resulting from a nuclear explosion. The resulting rapidly changing electric fields and magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges. The intense gamma radiation emitted can also ionize the surrounding air, creating a secondary EMP as the atoms of air first lose their electrons and then regain them. [...] Lightning electromagnetic pulse (LEMP). The discharge is typically an initial current flow of perhaps millions of amps, followed by a train of pulses of decreasing energy. Electrostatic discharge (ESD), as a result of two charged objects coming into proximity or even contact. Meteoric EMP. The discharge of electromagnetic energy resulting from either the impact of a meteoroid with a spacecraft or the explosive breakup of a meteoroid passing through the Earth's atmosphere.

interested reader. I. THE EMP ENVIRONMENT The electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a radio-frequency emanation which results from the detonation of a nuclear weapon. It is a generic term for any pulse caused by any nuclear weapon and, as such, it encompasses many different phenomena. Seven different types are listed in Figure 1. Probably the most important EMP environment is that resulting from a high- altitude, exoatmospherie burst. This type of environment is caused by the interaction of the [...] For Rapid Attenuation Measurement System. [...] charge returns to the burst-point through the ground causing late-time fields and currents, '’’he effect is somewhat different at burst-points slightly above ground. EMP also results from nuclear detonations underground, as in underground nuclear tests, and can seriously aff 'ct local ins.rumentation near the test site. Internal EMP is the generation of electromagnetic fields inside an enclosed (unshielded) system. It is the result of Compton and/or photoelectric effects inside the system due

Electromagnetic pulses (EMP) from nuclear weapon detonations at altitudes from 30 to 400 kilometers (18 to 50 miles) can damage or destroy sensitive electronic equipment at ground level. High-altitude EMP (HEMP) has the potential to seriously disrupt commercial and military communications, damage the electrical grid infrastructure, and interfere with command and control operations. These disruptions can adversely affect federal, state, or local agency missions and operations. [...] ### Characteristics of the High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) HEMP produced by a high altitude nuclear detonation exhibits three distinct phases created by the radiation and charged particles interacting with the atmosphere and the Earth's magnetic field. Each of these phases—E1, E2, and E3 (see image below)—has distinct characteristics and effects which can be mitigated with different methods. [...] Normal use of an EMP system induces wear and tear to system components, particularly doors and entryways. Most systems employ interleave schemes such as finger stock, blade-and-sheath systems to provide EMP attenuation. These can wear such that tight connections no longer exist or they can be damaged such that gaps are created. Regular inspection and replacement—especially in high traffic areas—are very important to maintaining system integrity.

of energy, which produces a powerful electromagnetic field, particularly within the vicinity of the weapon burst, is called an electromagnetic pulse. EMP can also be produced from non-nuclear sources, such as electromagnetic bombs, or E-bombs. High-altitude nuclear detonations and electromagnetic bombs can generate EMP that has the potential to damage or destroy electronic devices over widespread areas. Electric power systems would also be at risk from surges produced by such weapons. However, [...] Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) September 2003 Fact Sheet 320-090 Division of Environmental Health Office of Radiation Protection WHAT IS EMP AND HOW IS IT CREATED? The most important mechanism for Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) production from a nuclear detonation is the ionization of air molecules by gamma rays generated from the explosion. These gamma rays ionize the air molecules by interacting with the air molecules to produce positive ions and recoil electrons called Compton electrons. This pulse [...] restricted to a relatively small area. An EMP shock wave can be produced by a device small enough to fit in a briefcase. High Power Electromagnetic Pulse generation techniques and High Power Microwave technology have matured to the point where practical E-bombs are becoming technically feasible, with new applications in both Strategic and Tactical Information Warfare. Although much of this work is classified, it's believed that current efforts are based on using high-temperature superconductors