EMP Bomb (Episode: Future Shock)

Decades ago, during high altitude nuclear weapons tests, one of the blast effects observed by military scientists was a strong electromagnetic pulse (EMP) capable of disabling many types of electrical equipment. It was quickly recognized as a potent weapon on its own and today it is seen -- in a non-nuclear form -- as an effective and devastating component of a superpower's arsenal.

In less than a nanosecond after generation, an EMP can radiate in all directions and induce heavy currents that will overload and fry the circuitry of almost all electronic components. Such an effect can instantaneously paralyze both military targets and civilian centers by disabling vital electronic systems. This diagram (above), produced by Australian engineer Dr. Carlo Kopp, shows the hypothetical battlefield use of a limited range EMP bomb. There are unconfirmed reports that American forces used such a weapon in the 1991 Gulf War and again in 2003 against Iraqi targets.