# Laser-Induced Plasma Channels? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 10, 2010, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-induced-plasma-channels/524375 "2010-01-10T06:16:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![The\_Central\_Scrutinizer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ed655f/32.png) [@The\_Central\_Scrutinizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Central_Scrutinizer)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2010, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-induced-plasma-channels/524375/1 "2010-01-10T06:16:04Z")
I have a design concept that I’m pursuing: What is the most efficient frequency of laser light which would produce a plasma channel? The concept involves applying opposing high voltages released from a capacitive-discharge array to twin closely parallel LIPCs in order to project a high-intensity discharge at the target point, similar to a cross between a welder’s arc & a taser, only using the LIPCs instead of wires. Any disruptive effect produced by the beams themselves would be probably relatively secondary. The goal is to produce a portable self-defense device. Any constructive thoughts? ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2010, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-induced-plasma-channels/524375/2 "2010-01-10T06:24:45Z")
Sounds like an [electrolaser](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolaser). ---
**Author:** ![The\_Central\_Scrutinizer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ed655f/32.png) [@The\_Central\_Scrutinizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Central_Scrutinizer)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2010, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-induced-plasma-channels/524375/3 "2010-01-10T06:46:09Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Sounds like an [electrolaser](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolaser). Well, sort of, but this combines the “single-point discharge” idea with a twin-beam arranged in close parallel w/ an applied opposing voltage kept from “shorting” prior to target by the insulating effect of the non-excited air outside the LIPC. The discharge would occur when the twin LIPCs contacted their target, similar to a taser. Normal limitations to laser light would be in effect; in addition, things like rain, etc. would probably restrict the range/efficiency, depending on the degree. I’ve seen a LIPC “plasma gate” demonstrated, but this was a series of “single-point” discharges, VS. twin-beams in close tandem. We’re not too far off of a working design right now… it’s just a matter of fitting together the details of the key components. This isn’t a long-distance application, like the MIL concept, but for more shorter-range self-defense applications. That eases the parameters significantly. ---
**Author:** ![rbroome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2010, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-induced-plasma-channels/524375/4 "2010-01-10T14:58:26Z")
> [@The\_Central\_Scrutinizer](#): > > I have a design concept that I’m pursuing: What is the most efficient frequency of laser light which would produce a plasma channel? The concept involves applying opposing high voltages released from a capacitive-discharge array to twin closely parallel LIPCs in order to project a high-intensity discharge at the target point, similar to a cross between a welder’s arc & a taser, only using the LIPCs instead of wires. Any disruptive effect produced by the beams themselves would be probably relatively secondary. The goal is to produce a portable self-defense device. Any constructive thoughts? sounds like the idea that has been pushed for years by Ionatron. > **[Ionatron.com | Tech Trends, Innovation Guides & Future Insights](http://ionatron.com/)** in concept theirs is a neat idea: replace the taser wire with an ionized air path caused by a laser. In practice-it apparently is a lot harder to do than it sounds. Ionatron has been getting ready for a big public announcement for years. Their latest announcement: they changed their name to Applied Energetics. They tried to open an office/manufacturing center near where I work a few years ago. As a result, the business people I know are very wary of them. Not unwilling to work with them, but very cautious. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2010, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-induced-plasma-channels/524375/5 "2010-01-10T15:18:17Z")
I should have patented this idea when I had it 30 years ago… ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2010, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-induced-plasma-channels/524375/6 "2010-01-12T04:20:42Z")
Am I the only one reminded of the disintegrator beams from Larry Niven’s stories? “One must be careful not to fire both beams at once, or a current would flow”. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2010, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-induced-plasma-channels/524375/7 "2010-01-12T05:27:47Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Am I the only one reminded of the disintegrator beams from Larry Niven’s stories? “One must be careful not to fire both beams at once, or a current would flow”. Or, alternatively, [“Don’t cross the streams.”](http://bornandbreded.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/crossed.jpg) Stranger