Development of long gap discharges guided by a pulsed CO₂laser

Abstract

The mechanism of the guidance effect of laser plasmas on electrical discharges has been studied. A 45 J CO2 laser pulse produces many spherical plasmas over a gap of up to 2 m, and the laser-guided discharge is formed along the plasma by the application of a lightning impulse voltage. Unusual properties of the laser guided discharge are obtained from streak photographs of the discharge development. The laser produced plasmas guide streamers and leaders from a negative electrode more effectively than from a positive electrode. The discharge development from the negative electrode plays an important role in the guidance effect.