A recent study suggest that in the future, scientists could be able to control the exact path of a lightning strike.
A team of researchers discovered a way to guide electric discharges, and even guide them around obstacles, the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) reported. The groundbreaking new method employs the use of lasers to control these electric discharges. Electric arcs have long been used in technologies such as combustion engines and devices that work to control pollution and these applications could be broadened with the realization of how to control the arcs.
In this recent demonstration, the researchers were able to make an electric charge follow a smooth path along a straight or parabolic trajectory. By combining different types of laser beams, the team revealed it is even possible to achieve an S-shaped trajectory, along with a variety of other shapes. The team placed an object between two electrodes and observed the discharge leapt over the obstacle to the next laser without damaging the object itself.
"Our fascination with lightning and electric arcs aside, this scientific discovery holds out significant potential and opens up new fields of research," said Yves Bégin, vice dean of research and academic affairs at INRS. "This spectacular proof of concept, which was conducted over a distance of a few centimetres, required the high-power lasers, state-of-the-art facilities, and extraordinary research environment that our professors helped to create at INRS. Being able to work in such cutting-edge labs enables our students and postdoctoral fellows to embark on the path of scientific discovery even while still in school."
The findings were published in a recent edition of the journal Science Advances.
