The project

Ever since the invention of the lightning rod by Benjamin Franklin in the 18^th century, mankind has become more and more invested in understanding and tame this natural phenomenon. Along with the rapid evolution of the laser technologies, the idea to develop new type of lighting protection based on high-power femtosecond lasers has emerged in recent years.

The goal of the present project is to investigate and develop a new type of lightning protection based on the use of upward lightning discharges initiated through a high repetition rate multi Terawatt laser.

The feasibility of the novel technique and the project’s prospect of success are based on recent research providing new insights into the mechanism responsible for the guiding of electrical discharges by laser filaments, on cutting-edge high power laser technology and on the availability of the uniquely suitable Säntis lightning measurement station in Northeastern Switzerland.

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