4x4x3/4" Captured Lightning Electron Tree, Edge-based

 

Beautiful 4 Inch Square "Captured Lightning" Sculpture The branching pattern inside this 4" x 4" x 3/4" specimen is a "Captured Lightning" Lichtenberg Figure sculpture. These are sometimes called Beam Trees or Electron Trees. The lightning-like discharge was permanently captured inside the acrylic as a "Captured Lightning" sculpture in a process similar to the way natural fulgurites are formed within sandy soil by a lightning strike. Lichtenberg Figures are named in honor of Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, the 18th century physicist who first discovered them. Dr. Lichtenberg originally used high voltage discharges from electrostatic machines and finely powdered sulfur and lead oxide to create 2-dimensional surface figures. This modern 3-dimensional version was created by bombarding acrylic with high-speed electrons using a high voltage linear particle accelerator called a Linac. The Linac generated a beam of electrons that were accelerated to 99.5% the speed of light. When these energetic electrons slammed into the acrylic, they easily penetrated its surface, finally coming to rest about half way through the specimen. This created a "cloud" of excess negative charge, called a space charge, to form deep inside the acrylic. Since acrylic is an excellent electrical insulator, the injected electrons became temporarily trapped, and a tremendous electrical charge rapidly built up as the beam continued to inject billions of new electrons. The potential of the charged region grew to over two million volts. Eventually, in a process quite similar to natural lightning, the huge electrical stress overcame the insulating strength of the acrylic, and it suddenly broke down, rapidly releasing the trapped charge. In other cases (as shown in the picture below), breakdown was manually triggered by poking the charged acrylic with a sharp object. The trapped electrons suddenly rush out in a powerful surge of electricity carrying hundreds, or even thousands, of amperes. The high-current surge creates a brilliant miniature lightning bolt inside the acrylic, accompanied by a powerful bang. And, as with lightning, the branching, self-similar shape of the discharge can be described mathematically as a type of fractal.   Although the internal "electrical storm" may last for less than 100 billionths of a second, its passage creates thousands of permanent microscopic fractures in the acrylic, forming a beautifully preserved Captured Lightning sculpture deep within the acrylic. As with snowflakes, every sculpture is unique. New specimens may still retain an amber color from the irradiation process. Called solarization, this usually fades with time or through the application of gentle heat. The lucky buyer will receive a figure similar to the one pictured below.  (Custom walnut LED light base pictured above is not included. However, it is available in either bright white or "electric blue" for an additional $66) Here is a short video clip of a very large (18" x 18" x 1") Lichtenberg Figure actually being discharged:   We are only offering a limited number of these rare objects. Lichtenberg Figures combine technology and beauty - they are stunning and unique objects of scientific art. Very few people have actually seen a Lichtenberg Figure, and far fewer are privileged to own a specimen as nice as this. The internal Lichtenberg Figures literally glow when illuminated along the edge by a bright light or LED's as the internal fractures sparkle from reflected light. Our team of experienced engineers and physicists are Lichtenberg Figure experts. Stoneridge Engineering offers Lichtenberg Figures that range in size from affordable 2" x 2" x 1/2" squares, gorgeous prisms, spheres,  and cubes with multi-layer discharges, huge 12" x 12" x 1", and even larger specimens.  See About Me for further information about our unique products and the mad scientists at Stoneridge Engineering. Also, please see our other unique items such as electromagnetically shrunken coins. "A physical experiment which makes a bang is always worth more than a quiet one. Therefore a man cannot strongly enough ask of Heaven: if it wants to let him discover something, may it be something that makes a bang. It will resound into eternity." G. C. Lichtenberg 1742-1799 An ideal item for that scientist or collector on your gift list!