banner logo

Stoneridge Engineering is THE Source
for Rare and Beautiful Lichtenberg Figures!
(Page updated 11/28/08 - may change without notice)

Spectacular 3 Inch "Ball Lightning" Spheres

We just created a brand new batch of 3" spheres dueing our December 1, 2006 run. We started with highly polished clear acrylic contact juggling spheres. We then rotated these as we irradiated them with the electron beam to form a spherically shaped highly charged region inside. When discharged, the results were simply stunning. The lightning-like internal 3D discharges branch inward from a single external root,  mostly following the curvature of the sphere.  Sometimes small tendrils also head towards the center of the sphere. Various display effects can be obtained depending upon how the sphere is oriented for viewing.  For example, with the discharge point positioned on the side opposite to the viewer, you get the illusion of a completely imbedded discharge that seems to originate from the very center of the sphere. Rotating the sphere 90 degrees results in long branching discharges that follow the curvature of the sphere. It only seemed appropriate to call these beautiful sculptures "Ball Lightning" Spheres.

The sphere can be supported by a napkin ring (not provided) or by one of our special dimpled lucite blocks. It can then be brilliantly illuminated by one of our multicolor or white LED bases. The sphere also optically magnifies portions of the discharges, further  enhancing their beauty and detail.

Although the physics and technology involved in creating these are complex, the results are simple: they' are incredible!  Each figure is provided with a one-page explanation about what Lichtenberg Figures are and how they are created. If you like these, you'll also want to check out the incredible 2.5" and 3.5" diameter Lichtenberg Magnabrites® (light gathering magnifiers with internal Lichtenberg Figures), and our 2.0" and 2.5" diameter spheres.

Note: Because of lensing effects, spherical specimens should not be left unattended in direct sunlight or illuminated by nearby halogen lights, since the self-focusing action of the sphere may damage nearby objects. 


Contact us for further details
Return to Gallery 2
® Registered trademark of Visual Aids Lab, Inc.
 
Pair of 3" Spheres, natural light
(Click above for larger image)
 Pair rotated 90 degrees
(Click above for larger image)
3" Sphere being discharged
(Click above for larger image)
Pair of 3" spheres, in natural light supplemented
by incandescent lighting.
Same pair rotated 90 degrees, in natural light
 BANG! A 3" sphere being discharged to create a
new Lichtenberg Figure. The internal voltage of the charged layer is estimated to be over 2 million volts.
Closeup, rotated 90 degrees, natural
(Click above for larger image)
 3" Sphere on BD753MC Multicolor Light Base
(Click above for larger image)
 3" sphere on BD753MC Light Base
(Click above for larger image)
Close-up of a specimen rotated so discharge point is opposite observer, in natural light
 Similar view showing 3-D internal structure, illuminated by a BD753MC multicolor light base
Discharge point down, illuminated by a
BD753MC multicolor light base
Discharge point a left, LP3
(Click above for larger image)
 Discharge point to left
(Click above for larger image)
 Left discharge point - blue
(Click above for larger image)
Another view, discharge point at left, illuminated
from below by a multicolor light base. Shows
how discharges follow curvature of sphere
 Same view, illuminated by a multicolor light base Same view, illuminated by a multicolor light base.
3" sphere on CR35MC Multicolor Light Base
(Click above for larger image)
 3" Sphere on CR35MC Multicolor Light Base
(Click above for larger image)
 3" Sphere on CR35MC Multicolor Light Base
(Click above for larger image)
Another Ball Lightning sphere on a napkin ring
resting on a CR35MC Multicolor Light Base		 Sphere at left, rotated 90 degrees
on CR35MC light base
 Sphere at left, rotated another 90 degrees
on CR35MC light base
3" Sphere on BD753MC Multicolor Light Base
(Click above for larger image)
 3" Sphere on BD753MC Multicoor Light Base
(Click above for larger image)
 3" sphere on BD753MC Multicolor Light Base
(Click above for larger image)
Another Ball Lightning Sphere on a napkin ring
resting on a BD753MC Multicolor Light Base
 Sphere at left on BD753MC Light
Base, showing color change
 Sphere at left rotated slightly to show more
detail of curving Lichtenberg Figure discharges
 
Some Other Places to Visit:
Tesla Information Center
 Quarter Shrinker
 Link to 345 kV Switch MPEG
 10" Tesla Coil Deleware Quarter
Tesla Info Center
 		The "Quarter Shrinker"
 BIG Arcs & Sparks
10" Tesla Coil
 Get Shrunken Coins!

To Stoneridge Engineering Home



This web site is maintained by Bert Hickman.  © 1999-2008, All rights reserved.  No portion of this page may be reproduced without consent from the author.