How do EMPs work and how can you make one?

AI Thread Summary
Electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) are generated through high-energy gamma rays, which can knock electrons out of their orbits in low atomic number elements like oxygen and nitrogen. This phenomenon was first observed during the initial H-bomb explosion, which caused power outages in Hawaiian towns hundreds of miles away. The released electrons interact with the Earth's magnetic field, inducing a current that creates a magnetic field capable of damaging electrical systems, including appliances and vehicles. Constructing an EMP would require a significant production of high-energy gamma rays, although specific construction methods are not detailed in the discussion. The conversation also briefly mentions the financial success of the individuals associated with the topic.
Maltaethirion
Does anyone know how emps work and how to construct one?
 
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jump a spark across a gap...

Perhaps you should give us more details of what exactly you want to know; or 'do a Google' on electromagnetic pulse.
 
The emp works on the compton effect. It was first detected in the first H-bomb blast. It knocked out power to some Hawainal towns hundreds of miles away from the blast. The way it works is the intence high energy gamma ray photons emmited from the bombs blast cause electrons to be knocked out of the orbits of low atomic number elements. This would happen in Oxygen and Nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere. This free rush of elecrons would interact with the Earth's magnetic field and induce a current, which would create a magnetic field. This electromagnetic pulse would then overload electrical appliances and elecric machines, such as cars. This overload would run down the line and fry wiers, semiconductors and transformers. Its a messed up weapon.
To construct and EMP, I wouldent know how to do that, but you would need a good rate of production of high energy gamma rays.
 
This site gives some pretty good information.
 
Adrian Baker said:
'do a Google' on electromagnetic pulse.

Heh, the two guys that started that are worth 50 billion dollars
 
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