Stoneridge Engineering's Lichtenberg Figure Sculptures

Stoneridge Engineering LLC is THE Source
for Rare and Beautiful Lichtenberg Figures!
(Page updated 09/14/22 - may change without notice)

Styles 47 and 30 - Spectacular 2.5 and 3 Inch "Ball Lightning" Spheres

We begin with highly polished water-clear acrylic contact juggling spheres. We then rotate them while irradiating them with a high-energy electron beam to create a highly-charged spherical region inside. When we discharge them, the results are simply stunning. The lightning-like 3D discharges branch inward from a single external root, mostly following the outer curve of the sphere. On a few specimens, small tendrils may 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 the viewer, one gets the illusion of a completely embedded discharge that seems to originate from the very center of the sphere - similar to a freeze-frame of an exquisitely detailed plasma globe. Rotating the sphere 90 degrees results in long branching discharges that follow the outer curvature of the sphere. It only seemed appropriate to call these beautiful sculptures "Ball Lightning" Spheres. Due to the complex physics of the discharge growth process, discharges may not be symmetrically distributed within the sphere, and some sculptures may show some charring of paths near the base.

Each Ball Lightning Sphere is provided with a wooden or acrylic ring, or a dimpled acrylic block (provided at no charge). Spheres are best illuminated from below by one of our multicolor or white LED bases. Optical magnification effects even further enhance the beauty and detail of the internal discharges!

Although the technology involved in creating these figures is complex, the results are simple: they're incredible! Because of the physics of the process, most specimens will have asymmetrical discharge patterns. 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" Magnabrites® (light gathering magnifiers with internal Lichtenberg Figures), and our 2.0" spheres.

Please note: Spherical sculptures should not be left in direct sunlight or illuminated by nearby halogen lights since the sphere focuses light and may cause heating and burning of nearby objects.

Following is a Style 30 Ball Lightning sculpture on an ROT45MC rotating light base:

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Pair of spheres, in natural light supplemented by incandescent lighting.	Same pair rotated 90 degrees, in natural light	BANG! A sphere being discharged to create a new Lichtenberg Figure. The internal voltage of the charged layer is estimated to be over 2 million volts.
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Close-up of a sphere 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
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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.
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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
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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

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