Project description
Advanced laser technology for lightning control
Controlling lightning is a deeply rooted human concept, reflecting the desire to master nature’s formidable forces. The EU-funded LLR project aims to develop a revolutionary approach to lightning protection using high-repetition-rate multi-terawatt lasers to initiate upward lightning discharges. The project’s potential success hinges on recent research breakthroughs in laser filament-guided electrical discharges, advanced high-power laser technology and the exceptional capabilities of the Santis lightning measurement station in northeastern Switzerland. The LLR consortium is well positioned to advance Europe’s competitiveness in lightning control. It comprises leaders in high power non-linear laser pulse propagation, laser-controlled electric discharges, lightning physics, and high-repetition-rate lasers.
Objective
Controlling lightning is a long time dream of mankind. 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.
The LLR consortium is ideally positioned to succeed and to raise the competitiveness of Europe in lightning control as it relies on the integration of trans-disciplinary fields in laser development, nonlinear optics, plasma physics, remote sensing, and lightning: The project team is made up of leaders in the domains of high power nonlinear propagation of laser pulses in the atmosphere, laser control of electric discharges, lightning physics, high power laser development, and high-repetition-rate lasers. In addition, the largest European company in aeronautics brings its expertise in lightning direct effects and protection means on aircraft and infrastructures.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraft
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energywind power
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyradar
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaeronautical engineering
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physics
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
75794 Paris
France