Apparatus and method for enabling the creation of multiple extended conduction paths in the atmosphere

摘要

An apparatus and method for enabling the creation of multiple extended conduction paths in the atmosphere including a chirped-pulse amplification laser system having a high peak-power laser capable of transmitting through the atmosphere a high-peak power ultrashort laser pulse. The laser pulse is configured to have a rough spacial profile and is of sufficient energy to create multiple electrically conductive ionized channels in the atmosphere.