NE | Nuclear and Electromagnetic Effects

The "Nuclear and Electromagnetic Effects" department investigates the effects of electromagnetic and ionizing radiation on electronic components, systems and infrastructures.

To this end, the department operates a laboratory infrastructure for generating and measuring this radiation that is unique in Germany. It is used to analyze electromagnetic interference phenomena, investigate radiation-induced damage to optical and electronic components and detect and evaluate nuclear and radiological threat scenarios. In addition, the department’s staff have many years of experience and extensive expertise in these fields. This combination makes it possible to analyze and evaluate all effects of ionizing or electromagnetic radiation.

The focus is on issues related to threats posed by and protection against nuclear and electromagnetic effects caused by deliberate interference as well as hazards resulting from natural radiation influences that may affect safety-critical applications in civilian, military and space-related domains. Based on this work, the department’s research groups also develop sensor systems that enable reliable detection of the various threats and hazards and, where appropriate, the initiation of protective measures.

Electromagnetic Effects and Threats

Deliberately induced electromagnetic interference effects on safety-critical electronic systems are the focus of the research group “Electromagnetic Effects and Threats”. These effects are studied and assessed with the aim of scientifically identifying risks to critical infrastructures and military applications and developing measures to increase their resilience. 

Nuclear Effects in Electronics and Optics

The research group "Nuclear Effects in Electronics and Optics" focuses on the effects of ionizing radiation on electronic, optoelectronic and optical components, as well as the performance of irradiation tests in accordance with recognized standards. 

Nuclear Security Policy and Detection Techniques

The research group "Nuclear Security Policy and Detection Techniques" analyzes and evaluates nuclear and radiological threats and develops, tests and optimizes detection methods for the detection and identification of radioactive and nuclear material. 

Infrastructure

The scientific expertise and past achievements of the department are largely based on the proven expertise of its researchers, supported by a powerful experimental infrastructure (e.g. facilities for generating high-power electromagnetic fields and for irradiation with fast neutrons or gamma radiation).

• Anechoic Chamber
• Large TEM Waveguide
• Reverberation Chamber
• BCI-Measurement-Setup (Bulk Current Injection)
• NEMP-Generator (Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse)
• Co-60 Irradiation Facilities
• Neutron Generators
• Laser SEE-Test-Systems (Single Event Effects)
• DeGeN Mobile-Measurement-System (gamma detection including neutrons)

Official bodies and networks

• NA 140-00-19 AA Nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP) and lightning protection 
• NA 140-00-20-02UA Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); Test methods, test equipment and limits
• WG6, E3AT NATO Susceptibility Test Procedures Against Radio Frequency Directed Energy Systems 
• NATO SCI-294 Demonstration and Research of Effects of RF Directed Energy Weapons on Electronically Controlled Vehicles, Vessels and UAVs – E3 Action Team for HPM RF systems 
• NATO SCI-ET-061 on High Power Microwaves and Directed Energy Weapons 
• ESA Component Technology Board CTB
• Radecs Association
• Innospace-Netzwerk Space2Motion
• High-Energy Accelerators for Radiation Testing and Shielding (HEARTS) 
• DKE/GAK 767.3/4.4 TEM-Wellenleiter/Reverberation Chamber
• DKE/AK 767.13.19 Reverberation Chamber
• ETN Marie Curie PanEuropean Training, research and education network on In-Situ Monitoring of Electromagnetic Interference – iSense 

Collaboration

• Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
• RWTH Aachen University
• Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE