Can 3D Printing Plasma Structures in Midair Revolutionize Technology?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating three-dimensional plasma structures in midair using microwave lasers. Participants explore the potential for printing layered plasma constructs and the implications of conducting electrical currents through these structures. The conversation touches on theoretical and experimental aspects of plasma manipulation and the challenges involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to print three-dimensional plasma structures in a non-disturbed atmosphere if the laser can be handled quickly enough.
  • Another participant points out that plasma structures would dissipate almost immediately after the laser pulse, raising concerns about their stability.
  • A follow-up question is posed regarding the possibility of having a current charge flow through a plasma construct printed in midair, contingent on the feasibility of the first question.
  • Participants express interest in finding ways to support plasma structures long enough to be useful or to reprint them quickly enough to maintain stability.
  • There is a request for resources or links related to supporting plasmas and the challenges of controlling them effectively.
  • Concerns are raised about the availability and legality of acquiring powerful lasers needed for experiments related to plasma structures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the feasibility of creating stable plasma structures in midair, with some acknowledging the difficulties involved in controlling plasma. There is no consensus on whether it is possible to print plasma structures or conduct currents through them.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the inherent challenges in containing and manipulating plasma, referencing the difficulties faced in fusion power research. The discussion also highlights the potential limitations related to the availability of necessary laser technology.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring advanced plasma physics, laser technology applications, and experimental physics related to energy transmission and material manipulation.

PicassoCT
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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
 
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One problem is that the plasma structures would dissipate pretty much immediately after the laser pulse.
 
Is there a way to support them long enough to be usefull?
Or reprint them fast enough?
 
Anybody any Links on supporting plasmas that i can read upon?
 
PicassoCT said:
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.

PicassoCT said:
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.
 

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