Can 3D Printing Plasma Structures in Midair Revolutionize Technology?

[PicassoCT]

Hi everyone,

i recently saw some videos were a microwave laser (gaser) was used to create a plasma in midair. So the first part of my question is, if you could handle the ray fast enough, could one print 3dimensional-layered plasmastructures into non-disturbed atmosphere? If no, what did i not comprehend ?
Link to Assumption basis:


Further looking into this direction of thought, i also discoverd that some proposed to use lasers to create plasma-channels that would transport big currents (Lightning).. and so my follow up question, only valid if the first one passes of course, would be. Can you have a current charge through a plasma construct printed into midair?
Link to Assumption basis:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-03/lightning-can-strike-twice-if-you-have-some-lasers

If yes, again, then where do you get the lasers for a little experimen? Also is it legal to build fusion reactors and railguns at home?

Thank you for your thoughts and time

 

[Khashishi]

One problem is that the plasma structures would dissipate pretty much immediately after the laser pulse.

 

[PicassoCT]

Is there a way to support them long enough to be usefull?
Or reprint them fast enough?

 

[PicassoCT]

Anybody any Links on supporting plasmas that i can read upon?

 

[PicassoCT]

The stuff you stumble over when reading up:

http://www.health-science.com/microwave_hazards.html

Its entertaining - and suprising what google throws up, when you search for "papers"

 

[Drakkith]

Anybody any Links on supporting plasmas that i can read upon?

Containing a plasma and making it do what you want is, generally, incredibly difficult, just ask the guys working on Fusion Power. If you're wanting to create channels in air, you're simply not going to be able to control them very well.

If yes, again, then where do you get the lasers for a little experimen?

Lasers with the power you'd need are probably extremely expensive and may not be available for sale to the general public.