Abstract
Lightning is highly destructive due to its high power density and unpredictable character. Directing lightning away would allow to protect sensitive sites from its direct and indirect impacts (electromagnetic perturbations). Up to now, lasers have been unable to guide lightning efficiently since they were not offering simultaneously terawatt peak powers and kHz repetition rates. In the framework of the Laser Lightning Rod project, we develop a laser system for lightning control, with J-range pulses of 1 ps duration at 1 kHz. The project aims at investigate its propagation in the multiple filamentation regime and its ability to control high-voltage discharges. In particular, a field campaign at the Säntis mountain will assess the laser ability to trigger upward lightning.
Antonio Šunjerga
Assistant Professor | Department of Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
Researcher and assistant professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Naval Architecture in Split, with research interests that include lightning physics, lightning protection, and electromagnetic compatibility.