Electromagnetic pulse

EMP redirects here. The initials EMP also stand for Experience Music Project

EMP is also a type of intermodal container used in international freight shipping

In telecommunications and warfare, the term electromagnetic pulse (EMP) has the following meanings:

1. The electromagnetic radiation from an explosion (especially nuclear explosions) or an intensely fluctuating magnetic field caused by Compton-recoil electrons and photoelectrons from photons scattered in the materials of the electronic or explosive device or in a surrounding medium. The resulting electric and magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges. The effects are usually not noticeable beyond the blast radius unless the device is nuclear or specifically designed to produce an electromagnetic shockwave.
2. A broadband, high-intensity, short-duration burst of electromagnetic energy.

In the case of a nuclear detonation, the electromagnetic pulse consists of a continuous frequency spectrum. Most of the energy is distributed throughout the lower frequencies between 3 Hz and 30 kHz.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C in support of MIL-STD-188 and from the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

See also

• High Energy Radio Frequency weapons (HERF)
• Explosively pumped flux compression generator
• Transient electromagnetic device
• Electromagnetic environment
• E-bomb
• Pulsed Power