Rare Captured Lightning (Lichtenberg Figure) Fulgurite

 

Beautiful 3 x 3/4 Inch "Captured Lightning" Sculpture The branching pattern inside this acrylic sculpture is technically called a Lichtenberg Figure or Electron Tree. We call our scupltures "Captured Lightning". We created it by discharging as much as 2 million volts from deep within the acrylic, and the resulting electrical discharges formed a permanent "Captured Lightning" fossil within the specimen. Lichtenberg Figures are named in honor of Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, the 18th century physicist who first discovered them. Dr. Lichtenberg originally used electrostatic discharges and finely powdered sulfur and red lead (lead tetroxide) to create 2-dimensional surface figures. This modern 3-dimensional sculpture was created by bombarding clear acrylic with high-speed electrons using a high voltage linear accelerator (LINAC). The LINAC generates a beam of electrons that are traveling at up to 99.5% the speed of light. When these relativistic electrons slam into the surface of the acrylic, they easily penetrate it, ideally coming to a stop about half way through. This causes a cloud-like layer of negative charge, called a space charge, to form inside. Since acrylic is an excellent electrical insulator, the injected electrons cannot escape, and a tremendous electrical charge rapidly builds as the beam continues to inject more electrons. The potential of the space charge region may grow to 2 million volts or more. In a process similar to that of natural lightning, the huge electrical stress eventually overcomes the insulating strength of the acrylic. With a brilliant flash, it suddenly breaks down, rapidly releasing the trapped charges. Sometimes, as shown in the picture below, breakdown is manually triggered by poking the specimen with a sharp object. The trapped electrons suddenly rush out in a powerful surge of electricity carrying many hundreds of amperes. The high-current surge creates a miniature lightning bolt inside the acrylic, and is accompanied by a powerful bang. And, similar to lightning, the branching, self-similar discharge can be described mathematically as a type of fractal.   The birth of a new Lichtenberg Figure! A three-inch disk being discharged Although the internal "electrical storm" rages for perhaps 50 billionths of a second, the powerful lightning-like discharges create thousands of permanent microscopic fractures and tubules to form deep within the acrylic, creating a beautifully preserved branching Lichtenberg Figure. Every Captured Lightning sculpture is unique. Newer specimens may also have a golden color, called solarization, from the irradiation process. Although solarization fades with time or through the application of gentle heat, the Lichtenberg Figure itself is permanent. The lucky buyer will receive a figure similar and at least as beautiful as the one pictured below and a one-page explanation about what it is and how it was created.  Sculpture illuminated from below with White LED's. Note: Lighted base is NOT included. Similar Lightning Sculpture Illuminated by Blue LED's. Note: Lighted bases can be purchased at extra cost. Contact us for details. Here is a short video clip of a very large (18" x 18" x 1") Lichtenberg Figure actually being discharged:     We are offering only a limited number of these specimens. Captured Lightning sculptures combine high technology with great beauty - they are stunning and unique objects of scientific art. Very few people have actually seen a Captured Lightning sculpture, and far fewer are privileged to own a specimen as beautiful as this. The sculpture literally glows when illuminated along an edge by LED's. The internal fractures shine and sparkle from reflected light. The physicists and engineers at Stoneridge Engineering are Lichtenberg Figure experts. We offer Lichtenberg Figures that range in size from 2" x 2" x 1/2" squares, gorgeous multiple-discharge prisms and cubes, awesome 12" x 16" x 1" museum quality specimens.  See About Me for more information about Captured Lightning sculptures, our amazing electromagnetically shrunken coins, and the mad scientist at Stoneridge Engineering. Also, please see our other unique eBay items. "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 amateur scientist, student, or collector on your gift list!   Physics is Fun!!