Short-pulse lasers for weather control
18 July 2025 | ZEROGeoengineering.com |
Abstract “Filamentation of ultra-short TW-class lasers recently opened new perspectives in atmospheric research. Laser filaments are self-sustained light structures of 0.1–1 mm in diameter, spanning over hundreds of meters in length, and producing a low density plasma (1015–1017 cm−3) along their path. They stem from the dynamic balance between Kerr self-focusing and defocusing by the self-generated plasma and/or non-linear polarization saturation. While non-linearly propagating in air, these filamentary structures produce a coherent supercontinuum (from 230 nm to 4 µm, for a 800 nm laser wavelength) by self-phase modulation (SPM), which can be used for remote 3D-monitoring of atmospheric components by Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging). However, due to their high intensity (1013–1014W cm−2), they also modify the chemical composition of the air via photo-ionization and photo-dissociation of the molecules and aerosols present in the laser path. These unique properties were recently exploited for investigating the capability of modulating some key atmospheric processes, like lightning from thunderclouds, water vapor condensation, fog formation and dissipation, and light scattering (albedo) from high altitude clouds for radiative forcing management. Here we review recent spectacular advances in this context, achieved both in the laboratory and in the field, reveal their underlying mechanisms, and discuss the applicability of using these new non-linear photonic catalysts for real scale weather control.“
J P Wolf 2018 Rep. Prog. Phys. 81 026001
“4.3. Novel approaches for cutting a path through fog and transmit optical data
The two former sections rely on the vaporization/shattering of water droplets and ice crystals when irradiated by very intense lasers. Cutting a path through fog for transmitting optical data by evaporating or shattering all the droplets along the optical path requires, however, considerable amounts of laser energy.”
“The development of ultrashort lasers with increasing peak (>TW class) and average powers allows considering possible modulation of key atmospheric processes, like cloud nucleation, fog dispersion, or lightning activity.”
“Concerning eye-safety, although vertical pointing a high power laser is not a major issue, if the use is concerted with the air traffic management, it might be relevant to consider transmitters in an eye-safe region, like the mid-IR. The hazardous path could be, in this case, restricted to the filamenting region, and not beyond it.”
Link to Short-pulse lasers for weather control
Further reading: Laser-Based Weather Control
“The use of intense laser pulses can in theory influence atmospheric conditions and trigger rainfall, by emitting extremely short bursts of light. Laser pulses directed into the atmosphere can create plasma channels, which are conductive paths of ionized gas, similar to lightning. When these channels are aimed at clouds, they could induce localized changes that may promote precipitation.”
Leyser, T. B., and A. Y. Wong (2009), Powerful electromagnetic waves for active environmental research in geospace, Rev.Geophys., 47, RG1001, doi:10.1029/2007RG000235.
Another effect of the interaction is that radio waves accelerate or heat electrons and ions in the ionosphere. The interaction of EM waves with the atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere can be utilized to determine properties of the near-Earth space environment (geospace) as well as to study fundamental properties of plasma turbulence. EM waves thus have important applications in addition to acting as carriers of information in communication.
Link to Powerful electromagnetic waves for active environmental research in geospace
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