Scientists use laser to control lightning for the first time

Researchers from the Paris Polytechnic Institute and the University of Geneva have succeeded in directing beams using a super-powered laser for the first time in northeastern Switzerland. The research data was published in the journal Nature Photonics.

Lightning is a problem. Electrical discharges can cause various types of damage. From fires to the destruction of power and communications networks, the way we deal with and prevent damage is still the same as it was in the 18th century with the famous lightning rods or Franklin’s towers.

But after more than 20 years of study and testing, scientists have achieved unprecedented success in lightning science.

Researchers have placed a super-powered laser, a machine weighing more than 3 tons, at the foot of a telecommunications tower atop Säntis mountain in northeastern Switzerland.

The lightning rod laser emits 1,000 pulses per second and is an experimental project for the development of new technology for lightning protection.

In the article, the researchers describe two other attempts to redirect electrical discharges, in Mexico in 2004 and Singapore in 2011. Both failed.

But after more than 20 years of work and testing, they have finally managed to divert lightning during a storm for the first time!

Using high-speed cameras and interferometers that measure electromagnetic disturbances, the researchers were able to observe the moment the laser was able to direct a beam more than 50 meters away.

At first, the researchers observed the deflection only in negatively charged, upward beams. It’s an unsolved mystery yet.

There are other problems to be solved, such as the safety of using laser lightning rods in air gaps.

Impacts can interfere with the aircraft and even impair the vision of the pilots. Therefore, the airspace remained closed during the laser operation.

Despite the challenges, the unprecedented success has given new impetus to research, and the technology is expected to be ready for implementation and commercialization within a few years.