Lightning is one of the most powerful natural phenomena, it releases millions of volts in a fraction of a second, which is why it is very dangerous for buildings, energy infrastructure and more. For centuries, the best way to counteract lightning to some extent has been and remains a lightning rod – a metal pole on tall buildings that attracts lightning and safely directs electricity to the ground. However, it has a short range, a 10-meter lightning rod can only protect an area 10 meters around it. It is not enough to protect large facilities like an airport or a wind farm. Now, scientists have tested a laser that can significantly increase the “ability” of a lightning rod. This is reported by the publication New Atlas.
“When very high power laser pulses are emitted into the atmosphere, filaments of very intense light are formed inside the beam,” explains Jean-Pierre Wolf, one of the authors of the study. “These filaments ionize the nitrogen and oxygen molecules present in the air, which then release free electrons to move. This ionized air, called “plasma”, becomes a conductor of electricity.”
The idea of using a laser beam to “attract” lightning is not new in itself, but this is the first time that scientists have tested it in real conditions. To demonstrate the concept, the researchers developed a laser system with an average power of 1 kW, pulsing about 1,000 times per second and releasing one joule of energy per pulse. It was installed on top of Sentis (the highest mountain in the Swiss Alps) next to the tower, which is hit by about 100 lightnings every year.
From June to September 2021, scientists tested the laser system during thunderstorms. Already at the first lightning strike, the researchers found that the laser beam is able to “attract” it at a distance of almost 60 meters, that is, in combination with a standard lightning rod, the safe area increases to 180 meters.
In the future, scientists plan to increase the range of the laser so that a 10-meter lightning rod can provide protection up to 500 meters.
Source: Trash Box
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
