Apparatus for providing a pulse of electromagnetic energy is disclosed comprising a shock cavity 53 filled with gas 54 at a high pressure. Detonation of an explosive lens 51 causes the dissociation of said gas thereby generating said electromagnetic radiation, which is directed out of the cavity 53 via either a diaphragm 55 or an array of fibre-optic cables 58 by the mirrored inner surfaces 31, 33 & 35 of said cavity. The pulse of electromagnetic energy generated may be used, for example, to initiate inertial confinement fusion or for propulsion means. Alternatively, said pulse may be used to detonate the explosive lenses of further devices of a similar design.
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