An efficient source of pulsed electromagnetic radiation in the range 0.3–10.2 µm is described. The parameters of the device and the results from studies of the radiation characteristics are presented.

The characteristics of a spark atmosphere discharge initiated at an interelectrode voltage U=500 kV and a discharge initiated with a thermally bursting wire are studied.

The results of experimental investigations of the effect of high-intensity pulsed UV radiation on the influenza virus type A (H1N1) are presented. The research methodology is developed and the structure of the experiments is described. An end-face plasma accelerator was used as a radiation source, which provides a power pulsed discharge in an open atmosphere. The high efficiency of inactivation of the infectiousness of the virus was shown within a short period of time. The possibility of providing urgent 100% sterilization of a viral infection has been shown for the first time. A model for calculating the efficiency of pulse sterilization has been developed. The prospects for the application of pulse sterilization technology to combat coronavirus infection are considered.

A device for generating intense shock waves at low energies of an electric discharge in a gas is suggested and tested.