Feasibility study of a CO2-laser based lightning-protection system realization

Victor V. Apollonov

doi:10.1117/1.1829096

1 January 2005 Feasibility study of a CO2-laser based lightning-protection system realization

Victor V. Apollonov

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 44, Issue 1, 014302 (January 2005). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.1829096

Abstract

The feasibility of producing a continuous laser spark (CLS) with low resistance by focusing radiation from a CO₂ laser with a conic mirror is demonstrated. The laser energy input per unit length required for this is experimentally found to be equal to ≈200 J/m. The possibility to efficiently control the trajectory of an electric discharge by means of a CLS is demonstrated. The effect of polarity in the electric breakdown of the air gaps between the CLS plasma channel and a metal rod is discovered and interpreted. The transverse structure of CLS conductivity is investigated. The possibility of producing a long laser spark (LLS) with much higher resistance by focusing radiation from a CO₂ laser with a spherical mirror used to protect objects against lightning is studied. The conditions under which the electric discharges from clouds can be guided reproducibly along a LLS are determined. Experiments reveal that the interaction between the LLS and the discharge from an electrode (lightning rod) leads to a decrease in the lifetime of the streamer corona burst, as well as to an increase in the current of the developing leader and its velocity compared to the case without the LLS.

©(2005) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

Citation Download Citation

Victor V. Apollonov "Feasibility study of a CO2-laser based lightning-protection system realization," Optical Engineering 44(1), 014302 (1 January 2005). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.1829096

Published: 1 January 2005

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