An Introduction to the Physics and Technology of Pulsed Power

Recent years have seen an enormous expansion in the application of pulsed power physics and technology, that is, the production and use of high-current, high-energy pulses of electrical energy. Current areas range from civilian uses in mining, medicine, the steel, nuclear, and aviation industries, pollution control, fusion and laser research to a similarly wide range of military activities. However, the many major scientific and engineering advances that have accompanied this technical growth have not been matched by any corresponding introduction of relevant material into courses or textbooks, either at undergraduate or at postgraduate level.

An Introduction to the Physics and Technology of Pulsed Power remedies this situation by providing a broad, up-to-date account of the topic, arranged in a logical way that emphasizes the physical principles that are involved without introducing unnecessary mathematics. Although the level is appropriate for final year undergraduate and beginning postgraduate degree programs, the book is also valuable to both existing practitioners in the topic and those who merely wish to broaden their awareness of the many fascinating processes that are involved.