Pulsed Power Systems
A pulsed power system uses electrical energy stored in capacitors and discharged as brief pulses. These pulses can be compressed in space and made briefer to increase the power density and the power in each pulse, respectively. The electromagnetic energy is then converted into intense pulses of charged particles used to initiate inertial confinement[3].
The implementation of pulsed power technology began as early as 1964 and has been the primary focus of research at Sandia National Labs to create fusion conditions. It presented an attractive alternative to lasers due to its proved efficiency and much lower cost, but technology at the time presented limited power output[3]. Nevertheless, the scientists at Sandia Labs continued in this direction and, despite 30 years of effort, were still far from achieving fusion through this technology.
However, an old idea dating back to the 1950's allowed them to take giant leaps forward in their development efforts . . .