English: The NIKE laser system starts with a Marx Generator that forms a large voltage pulse. This is applied to a solid state (or magnetic) switch that transfers that energy into a water-filled transmission line. This transmission line is a big metal pipe filled with water or oil that contains the current. The pipe includes pressure release valves in case there is a short/vaporization event inside the line. This current is passed to a plasma-based laser switch. A laser beam passes across the plasma switch, which induces streams of electrons to strike an emitter plate that pumps the energy into the KRF or ARF gas.