Analysis of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) measurements in the National Ignition Facility's target bay and chamber

Abstract

From May 2009 to the present we have recorded electromagnetic pulse (EMP) strength and spectrum (100 MHz – 5 GHz) in the target bay and chamber of the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The dependence of EMP strength and frequency spectrum on target type and laser energy is discussed. The largest EMP measured was for relatively low-energy, short-pulse (100 ps) flat targets.