Project Title:

A Novel Laser System for Forecasting and Mitigating Lightning Strikes

13.03-1512
NAS10-11655
A Novel Laser System for Forecasting and
	Mitigating Lightning Strikes
Ophir Corporation
	3190 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Suite 100
	Lakewood, CO 80227
		Gregory J. Fetzer
(303-986-1512)

Abstract:

	The goal of this project is to apply a high-energy, pulsed laser to ionize a preferential
path through the atmosphere along which lightning would travel. This capability would
provide lightning protection, forecasting, and/or mitigation at the shuttle launch
site. A high-energy, pulsed, UV laser operating at a wavelength never before used
would be used to multi-photon ionize trace atmospheric constituents to trigger lightning
strikes down the laser-ionized path. This device could be used to forecast the probability
of lightning strikes during vehicle launch and, perhaps, to mitigate that probability
by harmlessly and repetitively discharging the atmosphere and thereby protecting
the launch vehicle. Phase I will involve two distinct parts:  first, specification
of a laboratory system for verifying the feasibility of a laser lightning rod and,
second, extension of a laser-atmosphere model to simulate the experiments which might
be carried out during Phase II.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: This project would provide lightning protection,
forecasting and/or mitigation on a scale never before possible.