Rare Interior "Captured Lightning" Lichtenberg Figure

We Captured a Miniature Lightning Bolt in this Acrylic Jewel! The scientific name for the branching pattern captured inside this 2" x 2" x 3/4" acrylic block is a Lichtenberg Figure or Electron Tree. We call it ours a "Captured Lightning" sculpture. 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, this modern 3-dimensional version was created by bombarding acrylic with high-speed electrons using a linear accelerator (LINAC). A 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 large flat surface of an acrylic block. As they slam into the material, 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 electrons form a cloudlike layer of excess negative charge, called a space charge, deep inside the acrylic. Since acrylic is an excellent electrical insulator, the space charge can't escape, and tremendous electrical stresses rapidly build as more electrons are added by the beam. In a process quite similar to natural lightning, the electrical stress finally overcomes the insulating capability of the acrylic, and the electrons suddenly escape as a brilliant electrical spark. Sometimes, as in the photo below, we trigger the discharge by poking the specimen 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, as with lightning, the branching, self-similar discharge can be described mathematically as a type of fractal. Typical specimen being manually discharged. Internal charge layer is ~2 million volts Although the internal "electrical storm" only rages for less than 50 billionths of a second, the powerful electrical discharges create thousands of permanent microscopic fractures and tubules in the acrylic, creating a permanent Lichtenberg Figure inside the block. Newer specimens may also have a golden tint, called solarization, from the irradiation process. Although solarization fades with time or through the application of gentle heat, the Lichtenberg Figure itself is permanent. As with snowflakes, each Lichtenberg Figure is a unique treasure. The lucky buyer will receive one scuplture 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, on black velvet) Typical specimen illuminated by battery-powered multicolor light base (base is not included, but we can supply at extra cost)   Following 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 beautiful specimens. Captured Lighting sculptures are stunning and unique, crossing the boundary between science and 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 light source or LED's. Light bases are available at extra cost. Captured Lightning sculptures make ideal gifts for those folks who "have everything" or for discriminating collectors of items rare and beautiful. See About Me for further information about Lichtenberg Figures, Shrunken Coins, and the mad scientist at Stoneridge Engineering. Also, please see our other Captured Lightning sculptures and 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 item for that amatuer scientist, student, or collector on your gift list!