Pulsed Power for
Nuclear Deterrence
Pulsed power for extreme material research
Pulsed power systems allow the study of materials under extreme conditions, reproducing high pressures, rapid strain rates, and hypervelocity impacts in a controlled and repeatable way. Techniques such as flash radiography, isentropic compression, and electromagnetic projectile acceleration provide essential insights into material behaviour and dynamic phenomena, supporting nuclear deterrence programs as well as broader defence and strategic research. Building on decades of experience, ITOPP delivers tailored experimental solutions and collaborates closely with partners to advance high-precision research and innovative applications.
Flash Radiography
Pulsed Power Solutions for Extreme Physics and Strategic Programs
Ultra-fast radiography of physical phenomena requires the emission of an extremely intense and very brief X-ray pulse, precisely synchronized with the event defined by the experimenter. By delivering nanosecond-scale energy bursts, flash radiography makes it possible to capture dynamic processes occurring within dense materials under extreme conditions.
Several technical approaches can be implemented to generate such pulses, including linear accelerators or impulse generators—such as Marx generators, Inductive Voltage Adders (IVA), or Linear Transformer Drivers (LTD)—typically paired with a dedicated electronic diode. In all configurations, pulsed power constitutes the core of the system, enabling the controlled delivery of very high energy within extremely short timeframes.
Flash radiography is a key diagnostic tool in high-energy-density physics and advanced defense research. In the context of nuclear deterrence programs, it supports experimental campaigns aimed at understanding material behavior and validating complex physical models, thereby contributing to the reliability, safety, and performance assessment of strategic systems without full-scale nuclear testing.
Drawing on its recognized expertise in pulsed power engineering, ITOPP offers innovative and optimized solutions tailored to the specific requirements and constraints of each client. Depending on performance objectives, safety considerations, and operational environments, ITOPP can adapt proven technologies or develop fully customized system architectures designed to meet demanding technical standards while ensuring reliability, integration readiness, and ergonomic operation.
Isentropic Compression and Projectile Acceleration
Pulsed power generators allow the exploration of different extreme regimes of matter, ranging from controlled compression of materials to the study of very high-velocity impact phenomena.
Material behaviour under very high pressures
At very high pressures (several million bars), the behaviour of materials remains still largely unknown. Experimental methods capable of reaching such loading conditions are indeed limited. In recent years, pulsed power generators have been developed in laboratories to perform this type of experiments.
A very intense current (several million amperes) flows through specially designed electrodes. It generates a transient magnetic field, which in turn induces significant electromechanical forces. The resulting interaction produces a so-called “magnetic pressure,” which can be applied to the material sample under investigation. This type of loading can be used to perform isentropic compression experiments, allowing a gradual increase in pressure within the material without a sudden shock. The dynamic behaviour of the material can then be characterised using appropriate diagnostics.
Electromagnetic acceleration of projectiles and hypervelocity flyer plates impact
Electromagnetic forces can also be used to accelerate projectiles in a highly controlled and reproducible manner. This capability can be applied over a wide range of velocities, from a few hundred m/s up to hypervelocity regimes exceeding 10 km/s. This opens the way to experimental studies of hypervelocity impacts, particularly in the following fields:
- defence: study of impact effects and explosive physics,
- space: analysis of interactions with micrometeorites and space debris.
ITOPP expertise in pulsed power generators
In this context, ITOPP leverages its expertise to design and supply pulsed power generators dedicated to both isentropic compression experiments and electromagnetic projectile acceleration systems. The company offers a range of solutions enabling systematic investigation of material behaviour under extreme dynamic pressures, as well as the study of hypervelocity flyer plate impact phenomena. Depending on customer requirements, ITOPP can adapt existing technologies or develop fully customised systems, taking into consideration required performance standards, safety and ergonomics of use.