Plasma-Based EMP Irradiation System for Focused Pulse Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing EMP weapons face challenges in generating a large output electromagnetic pulse while minimizing diffusion, especially when deployed remotely or on aircraft, leading to reduced effectiveness and unintended wide-range influence.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic pulse irradiating system that condenses a laser beam to generate plasma at a light-condensing point near the target, using a pulse laser to increase electric field strength and generate a focused electromagnetic pulse, thereby minimizing diffusion and achieving a high output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the electromagnetic pulse is irradiated from a remote place to the target, then the constraints of size and weight are relaxed and large output electromagnetic pulse generation is easy, but the electromagnetic pulse diffuses during propagation and the strength declines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput of electromagnetic pulseVSAvoiddiffusion of electromagnetic pulse
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reflective surface (mirror or satellite) as an intermediary to redirect and focus the electromagnetic pulse onto the target. This mediator enables remote irradiation while preventing diffusion through reflective focusing, resolving the contradiction between remote deployment and pulse concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning the electromagnetic pulse generation device remotely and using a reflective surface to redirect the pulse along a different path to the target. This dimensional approach allows large output generation away from the target while maintaining pulse strength through geometric focusing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electromagnetic pulse is irradiated from the neighborhood of the target, then the diffusion of electromagnetic pulse is restrained, but the constraints of size and weight make large output electromagnetic pulse generation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffusion of electromagnetic pulseVSAvoidoutput of electromagnetic pulse
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The reflective surface acts as a mediator that allows the electromagnetic pulse source to be positioned remotely (avoiding size and weight constraints near the target) while still achieving focused irradiation on the target, thus maintaining both low diffusion and high output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a laser beam is used to shoot down an unmanned drone, then the effectiveness is high, but a pilot is exposed to risk when the target is a manned aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of neutralizing targetVSAvoidrisk to human life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a reflective surface to focus the electromagnetic pulse precisely on the target's electronic equipment, creating a localized effect that neutralizes electronics without affecting the surrounding area or exposing personnel to harmful radiation, thus achieving reliability while minimizing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful broad-area laser irradiation into a beneficial focused electromagnetic pulse effect by using a reflective surface to concentrate energy only on the target's electronics, transforming a dangerous approach into a safe and effective one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively neutralizes electronic equipment by generating a strong, focused electromagnetic pulse with reduced diffusion, suitable for both remote and aircraft-based deployments, and allows for miniaturization of the laser device for improved operability.

Implementation Method 1

condenses a laser beam to generate plasma at a light-condensing point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

generate plasma at a light-condensing point near the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma generation: Plasma

Implementation Method 3

irradiate a generated electromagnetic pulse to a target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic pulse: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3276298B1Method of irradiatiing electromagnetic pulse and electromagnetic pulse irradiation system
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP3276298B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3276298B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3276298B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method of irradiating an electromagnetic pulse includes specifying a position of a target having electronic equipment; setting the light-condensing point based on the position of the target; and condensing the laser beam to generate plasma in the light-condensing point such that the electromagnetic pulse generated from the plasma is irradiated to the electronic equipment. In this way, a method and system for irradiating an electromagnetic pulse are realized which can irradiate the electromagnetic pulse of a large output while restraining diffusion of the electromagnetic pulse.