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Updated: Jan 30, 2026
11:20
Investigation of Early Plasma Evolution Induced by Ultrashort Laser Pulses
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Towards Remote Lightning Manipulation by Meters-long Plasma Channels Generated by Ultra-Short-Pulse High-Intensity
Jenya Papeer1, Indranuj Dey2, Moti Botton3
1Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel. Evgeny.papeer@mail.huji.ac.il.
Scientific Reports
|January 25, 2019
Summary
Scientists have developed a multi-element broken wire concept to create long plasma channels for lightning control. This breakthrough extends plasma channel length and sustenance, paving the way for triggering and guiding lightning strikes.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Atmospheric Science
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Remote manipulation of lightning is a long-standing scientific challenge.
- High-power, ultrashort-pulse lasers show potential for creating plasma channels to guide lightning.
- Previous limitations included short plasma channel length and short lifetime.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome the limitations of plasma channel length and lifetime for lightning control.
- To demonstrate a novel concept for extending plasma channel generation.
- To investigate methods for sustaining plasma channels for extended durations.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a multi-element broken wire concept.
- Generating plasma channels in air using high-power, ultrashort-pulse lasers.
- Employing laser heating techniques for plasma channel sustenance.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 13-meter-long plasma wire, limited by experimental setup.
- Plasma conditions generated are potentially sufficient for lightning leader initiation.
- Demonstrated a method for long-time sustenance of plasma channels via laser heating.
Conclusions:
- The multi-element broken wire concept significantly extends plasma channel length.
- Laser heating provides a viable method for long-time plasma channel sustenance.
- These advancements represent a major step towards the remote control of lightning.
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