Beautiful 4" x 3/4" Equilateral Triangle Lichtenberg Figure The branching tree-like pattern imbedded inside this 4" x 3/4" sculpture is called a Lichtenberg Figure, "Beam Tree", or "Electron Tree". It was created by discharging a miniature lightning bolt of approximately 2 million volts from deep within the acrylic. The discharge is permanently imbedded inside as a bolt of "Captured Lightning", similar to the way a natural fulgurite is sometimes formed within sandy soil during a lightning strike. Lichtenberg Figures are named in honor of Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, the 18th century physicist who first discovered them. Dr. Lichtenberg originally used high voltage discharges from electrostatic machines and finely powdered sulfur and lead oxide to create 2-D surface figures. This modern 3-D version was created by bombarding acrylic with high-speed electrons using a high voltage linear particle accelerator (or Linac). The Linac accelerates a beam of electrons to 99.5% the speed of light. When these energetic relativistic electrons slam into the acrylic, they easily penetrate its surface, finally coming to rest about half way through. This causes a "cloud" of excess negative charge, called a space charge, to form deep inside the acrylic. Since acrylic is an excellent electrical insulator, the injected electrons cannot escape, and a tremendous electrical charge rapidly builds as the beam continues to inject additional electrons. The potential of the space charge region may grow to 2 million volts or more. Eventually, in a process quite similar to natural lightning, the huge electrical stress overcomes the insulating strength of the acrylic. It suddenly breaks down, rapidly releasing the trapped charge. Sometimes the acrylic may break down while its still being irradiated. In other cases (as shown in the image below), breakdown is manually stimulated by poking the charged acrylic with a sharp object. The trapped electrons suddenly rush out in a powerful surge of electricity carrying hundreds, or even thousands, of amperes. The high-current surge creates a brilliant miniature lightning bolt inside the acrylic, accompanied by a powerful bang. And, as with lightning, the branching, self-similar discharge can be described mathematically as a type of fractal.   Although the actual electrical storm within may last for only 20-50 billionths of a second, its passage creates thousands of permanent microscopic fractures in the acrylic, forming a beautifully preserved Lichtenberg Figure deep within the acrylic. As with snowflakes, every Lichtenberg Figure is unique. New figures may have an amber colored layer on the side irradiated by the electron beam. Called solarization, the color usually fades over time. Fading can be accelerated through the application of warm sunlight or gentle heat. Our Lichtenberg Figures are completely safe, with no residual charge or radioactivity. The lucky buyer will receive a figure similar to the one pictured below. The figure you will receive is similar to the one above. The figure above is shown illuminated by sunlight. The actual location of the discharge "root" and the individual discharge pattern will vary between specimens, but yours is guaranteed to be of similar quality.  The figure below is shown illuminated by white LED's from a rosewood display base (not included). NOTE: Although LED Light base is NOT included, we can supply at extra cost.   We are offering a limited number of these rare objects until we run out of stock. Lichtenberg Figures combine high technology and beauty - these specimens are stunning and unique objects of scientific art. Very few people have actually seen a Lichtenberg Figure, and far fewer are privileged to own a specimen as nice as this. As can be seen in the image above, Lichtenberg Figures literally glow from within when edge-illuminated by a bright light or high brightness LED as the internal fractures sparkle from the reflected light. Our team of experienced physicists are Lichtenberg Figure experts. Stoneridge Engineering offers Lichtenberg Figures that range in size from affordable 2" x 2" x 1/2" squares, gorgeous prisms and cubes with multi-layer discharges, and huge 12" x 12" x 1" museum specimens.  See About Me for further information about our unique products and us. Also, please see my auctions of other unique items such as "electromagically" shrunken coins. "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 Another unique offer from Stoneridge Engineering - physics IS fun! Terms: Payment must be received by 10 days of the end of the auction or your item may be resold. You have a five day inspection period and a money back guarantee if you're not satisfied. Illinois residents: please add 6.75% to cover Illinois Sales Tax. Multiple auctions may be combined to save S&H costs. Payment through PayPal is preferred, or via a Money Order drawn against a US bank. Personal checks will be accepted if your eBay rating is greater than 30 and you have had no negative feedback in the last 60 days. However, shipment may be delayed 5-7 days pending check clearing. International Customers: S&H for international customers will be $10.00. PayPal is the preferred method of payment. Money Orders not drawn against a US bank will not be accepted. I always provide feedback on my sales and purchases and request the same from my trading partners. Please contact us if you have any questions prior to bidding.