2 December 2014 · First online (indexed publication record)
Christina L Porter, Galen P Miley, David J Griffiths and colleagues
Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics · Laboratory electrical-discharge study
Electrical arcs through silicon produced luminous balls resembling some descriptions of ball lightning. Researchers measured a small net charge and examined the surrounding nanoparticle structure.
Method and scope
Using lump silicon, the experiment investigated the luminous bodies’ production, composition and electrical properties.
What to keep in mind
Similarity of appearance does not make the laboratory bodies identical to every natural event. The proposed binding mechanism remains specific to the experimental system.
Original paper & source
Read the original source record →
DOI: 10.1103/physreve.90.063102
Indexed original abstract, citation and linked publication-status metadata reviewed through Europe PMC; full text not assessed. UKPX reference added and checked 7 November 2026. The date above belongs to the paper.