TU/e Pulsed Power

Intelligence Summary: TU/e Pulsed Power — Eindhoven Pulsed Power Plasma Research

Node Identity: The TU/e Pulsed Power research program at Eindhoven University of Technology operates within the Electrical Engineering department, developing ultra-fast solid-state pulsed power generators for plasma generation. The program creates impedance-matched Marx generators using GaN (gallium nitride) transistors, achieving sub-nanosecond rise times at tens of kilovolts with high repetition rates — supported by NWO funding. This capability bridges low-temperature plasma science with potential high-power microwave (HPM) and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) applications.

Strategic Relevance: The TU/e pulsed power program represents the Netherlands' most direct connection between plasma physics research and potential directed energy weapons (DEW) applications. While DIFFER's fusion research is entirely civilian, TU/e's pulsed power expertise in generating ultra-fast, high-voltage pulses has inherent dual-use characteristics — the same technology used for plasma generation can theoretically be adapted for HPM/EMP weapon source development. TNO has identified the TU/e pulsed power capability as having potential HPM/EMP applications, creating a defense technology pathway from university research to military capability assessment. The GaN-based solid-state approach offers advantages in compactness, repetition rate, and reliability over traditional spark-gap systems.

Technical Focus / Capabilities: The program develops solid-state pulsed power generators using GaN transistors in impedance-matched Marx generator configurations, achieving sub-nanosecond rise times at tens of kilovolts. TU/e hosts five plasma research groups covering plasma-materials processing, gas discharge physics, plasma-surface modeling, extreme non-equilibrium plasmas, and plasma-based gas conversion. The pulsed power program supports plasma generation for these areas while maintaining independent capability in fast transient discharge physics, streamer discharge research, and corona discharge applications including ozone generation and water/air disinfection.

Network Linkage: TU/e conducts the TU/e Pulsed Power program within its Electrical Engineering department. Magnum-PSI at DIFFER complements this research through plasma generation capabilities on the shared Eindhoven campus. EUROfusion Netherlands funds DIFFER, connecting the Dutch fusion enterprise to TU/e's pulsed power expertise. TNO provides the defense technology assessment bridge for potential HPM/EMP applications.