Silicon micro-spheres in microwave-excited ball-lightning-like plasmoids

E. Jerby*, O. Meshcheryakov, D. Ashkenazi, Z. Barkay, N. Eliaz, J. B.A. Mitchell, T. Narayanan, J. L. Legarrec, M. Sztucki, S. Wonde

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents experimental observations of microwave-excited ball-lightning-like plasmoids. The microwave energy is directed by a graphite electrode into a molten hotspot created in a silicon substrate, from which the plasmoid is blown up and floats as a confined fireball in the damp air atmosphere. Silicon micro-spheres evolved within the fireball are observed in-situ by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and ex-situ by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the residues. The results are discussed in view of nanoparticle clustering models of atmospheric ball lightning. These results may also lead to practical developments, such as direct conversion of solids to nanopowders and micro-spheres.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMicrowave and RF Power Applications
Subtitle of host publicationProceeding of the 13th International Conference on Microwave and Radio Frequency Heating, AMPERE 2011
PublisherEditions Cepadues
Pages415-418
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9782854289787
StatePublished - 2011
Event13th International Conference on Microwave and Radio Frequency Heating, AMPERE 2011 - Toulouse, France
Duration: 5 Sep 20118 Sep 2011

Publication series

NameMicrowave and RF Power Applications: Proceeding of the 13th International Conference on Microwave and Radio Frequency Heating, AMPERE 2011

Conference

Conference13th International Conference on Microwave and Radio Frequency Heating, AMPERE 2011
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityToulouse
Period5/09/118/09/11

Keywords

  • Ball-lightning
  • Fireballs
  • Nanoparticles
  • Plasmoids

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