Accession Number:

ADA529982

Title:

High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) Devices: Threat Assessments

Descriptive Note:

Congressional rept.

Corporate Author:

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE

Personal Author(s):

• Wilson, Clay

Report Date:

2008-07-21

Pagination or Media Count:

26.0

Abstract:

Electromagnetic Pulse EMP is an instantaneous, intense energy field that can overload or disrupt at a distance numerous electrical systems and high technology microcircuits, which are especially sensitive to power surges. A large scale EMP effect can be produced by a single nuclear explosion detonated high in the atmosphere. This method is referred to as High-Altitude EMP HEMP. A similar, smaller-scale EMP effect can be created using non-nuclear devices with powerful batteries or reactive chemicals. This method is called High Power Microwave HPM. Several nations, including reported sponsors of terrorism, may currently have a capability to use EMP as a weapon for cyber warfare or cyber terrorism to disrupt communications and other parts of the U.S. critical infrastructure. Also, some equipment and weapons used by the U.S. military may be vulnerable to the effects of EMP. The threat of an EMP attack against the United States is hard to assess, but some observers indicate that it is growing along with worldwide access to newer technologies and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. In the past, the threat of mutually assured destruction provided a lasting deterrent against the exchange of multiple high-yield nuclear warheads. However, now even a single, low-yield nuclear explosion high above the United States, or over a battlefield, can produce a large-scale EMP effect that could result in a widespread loss of electronics, but no direct fatalities, and may not necessarily evoke a large nuclear retaliatory strike by the U.S. military. This, coupled with published articles discussing the vulnerability of U.S. critical infrastructure control systems, and some U.S. military battlefield systems to the effects of EMP, may create a new incentive for other countries to rapidly develop or acquire a nuclear capability.

Descriptors:

• *ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
• *MICROWAVES
• NUCLEAR WEAPONS
• NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
• ELECTRONICS
• UNITED STATES
• CONTROL SYSTEMS
• THREATS
• BATTLEFIELDS
• CHEMICALS
• ATTACK
• ENERGY
• INTENSITY
• REACTIVITIES
• SENSITIVITY
• HIGH ALTITUDE
• LAUNCHING
• ACCESS
• CASUALTIES
• LOSSES
• MOTIVATION
• YIELD STRENGTH
• CIVILIAN POPULATION
• DEATH
• SURGES
• MICROCIRCUITS
• TERRORISM
• ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
• NUCLEAR WARHEADS
• INFRASTRUCTURE
• TEST AND EVALUATION
• HIGH POWER

Subject Categories:

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• Electromagnetic Pulses

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE