Rare "Captured Lightning" Lichtenberg Figure Sculpture

We Captured a Miniature Bolt of Lightning Inside this Block of Acrylic! The scientific name for the branching pattern captured inside this 2" x 2" x 3/4" polished acrylic block is a Lichtenberg Figure or Electron Tree. We call them "Captured Lightning" sculptures. Lichtenberg Figures are named in honor of Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, the 18th century physicist who first discovered them. Dr. Lichtenberg used high voltage electrostatic discharges and finely powdered sulfur and lead oxide to create 2-dimensional figures. Using 21st Century technology, we created this modern 3-dimensional version by bombarding a block of polished acrylic with high-speed electrons using a 5 MeV linear accelerator (LINAC). The LINAC creates a beam of fast moving electrons that are moving at 99.5% the speed of light. The energetic beam of electrons are aimed towards the flat surface of the block. As they slam into the acrylic, they easily penetrate the surface, slowing down as they collide with the acrylic molecules, and finally coming to a stop about half way through. The accumulating electrons form a cloudlike layer of excess negative charge, called a space charge, deep inside the specimen. Since acrylic is an excellent electrical insulator, the excess charges can't escape, and tremendous electrical stresses rapidly build as more electrons are being added by the beam. In a process quite similar to natural lightning, the electrical stress finally overcomes the insulating strength of the acrylic and the electrons suddenly escape as a brilliant electrical spark. Sometimes, as in the photo below, this process is triggered by poking the charged acrylic with a sharp object. Once the acrylic breaks down, the trapped charge quickly rushes out as a miniature bolt of lightning, accompanied by a flash and a bang. And, similar to lightning, the branching, self-similar discharge can be described mathematically as a type of fractal. Typical specimen being manually discharged. Internal charge layer is over 2 million volts Although the "electrical storm" within the specimen only rages for less than 50 billionths of a second, the hot electrical discharges cause thousands of permanent microscopic fractures and tubules inside the acrylic, creating a permanent Lichtenberg Figure within the block that looks like a fossil record of the original discharges. 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. Every Captured Lightning sculpture is unique - the lucky buyer will receive one sculpture of comparable quality as the one shown below, and a one-page explanation about what it is and how it was created. Typical specimen in natural light (sunlight - base not included) Typical specimen illuminated by small battery-powered color changing light base (Light base is not included, but we can supply for $23 more)   Here is a short video clip of a very large (18" x 18" x 1") Lichtenberg Figure actually being discharged:   We are offering a limited number of these beautiful specimens. Our Captured Lightning sculptures are stunning and unique examples of scientific art. Very few people have even seen a Lichtenberg Figure, and far fewer have ever had the opportunity to own one as beautiful as this. The sculpture glows brilliantly when illuminated along the edge by a bright light source such as LED's. They make ideal gifts for folks who "have everything" or for discriminating collectors of rare and beautiful objects. See About Me for further information about Lichtenberg Figures, Shrunken Coins, and the mad scientist at Stoneridge Engineering. Also, please see other styles of beautiful Captured Lightning sculptures or our amazing 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 gift for that amateur scientist, student, or collector on your gift list!