Lightning rods have been used to soundly information strikes into the bottom since Benjamin Franklin’s day, however their quick vary (roughly the identical radius as the peak) and fixed-in-place design makes them ineffective for shielding giant areas. The know-how could lastly be right here to switch them in some conditions. European researchers have efficiently examined a system that makes use of terawatt-level laser pulses to steer lighting towards a 26-foot rod. It’s not restricted by its bodily peak, and may cowl a lot wider areas — on this case, 590 toes — whereas penetrating clouds and fog.
The design ionizes nitrogen and oxygen molecules, releasing electrons and making a plasma that conducts electrical energy. As the laser fires at a really fast 1,000 pulses per second, it is significantly extra more likely to intercept lightning because it kinds. In the check, performed between June and September 2021, lightning adopted the beam for practically 197 toes earlier than hitting the rod.
Researchers have been exploring laser…
2023-01-16 12:27:16
Source from www.engadget.com