Lightning in Acrylic- Lichtenberg Figures
The German physicist Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742-1799) discovered the basic principle, running electricity through dust- that ultimately became xerography which is how laser printers and photocopiers work.
Acrylic
Lichtenberg Figures, sometimes called Lichtenberg Trees, Lichtenberg
Patterns, Electron Trees, Beam Trees, or Spark Trees. They are all
formed
by penetrating acrylic specimens with high speed electrons. As the acrylic specimen is
bombarded (irradiated)
by the beam, electrons are driven
deep inside. The depth of penetration is determined by
the
beam's
initial energy, the material's dielectric properties, and its density.
The higher the electron beam energy, the deeper the penetration. As
the acrylic is irradiated, huge numbers
of electrons accumulate inside, creating a 2-dimensional cloud-like
layer
of negative electrical charge called
a space charge. This builds up until it discharges, lightning like and etches the lightning path in the acrylic. It really is a lightning discharge.
There's an animated image (a gif) of the process happening here. You can buy these fabulous creations on this site which also has fascinating info about fulgurites (lightning strikes in soil type clay) and even on humans if they survive a lightning strike!
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Posted: April 9th, 2011 under default.
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