Beautiful 6" x 6" x 3/4" 3-D Lichtenberg Figure This large Lichtenberg Figure was created as part of a test run several years back. The pattern is a called a Lichtenberg Figure, named in honor of Georg C. Lichtenberg, the 18th century physicist who first discovered them. Lichtenberg originally used electrostatic discharges and finely powdered sulfur and lead oxide to create 2-D figures. This modern 3-D version was created by irradiating a block of acrylic plastic with high-speed electrons from an electron beam accelerator. The accelerator generates a beam of electrons that are traveling nearly the speed of light. When these high speed electrons hit the surface of the plastic, they easily penetrate the surface, coming to rest about half way through. This causes a "cloud" of excess negative charge (called a space charge) to form deep inside the plastic. Since plastic is an excellent insulator, the excess electrons cannot escape and a tremendous electrical electrical charge builds up as irradiation continues. Suddenly, in a process similar to natural lightning, the electrical stress overcomes the insulating strength of the plastic. The plastic breaks down and the trapped charge abruptly escapes to ground in a miniature lightning-like flash and a powerful bang. Although the actual electrical discharge lasts for less than 20 billionths of a second, its passage creates microscopic fractures in the plastic, leaving permanent Lichtenberg Figures imbedded within. More technical information can be found Here.   Lichtenberg Figures combine high technology with great beauty. Very few people have actually seen a Lichtenberg Figure, and far fewer are privileged to own one as nice as this. Stoneridge Engineering is honored to be the only current provider of Lichtenberg Figures to the general public.   "A physical experiment which makes a bang is always worth more than a quiet one. Therefore a man cannot strongly enough ask of Heaven: if it wants to let him discover something, may it be something that makes a bang. It will resound into eternity." G. C. Lichtenberg 1742-1799