Conceptual design of laser lightning protection system with crossing optical breakdown channel

Conceptual design of laser lightning protection is developed. Creation of lightning rod is provided by long laser spark discharge, directed along two crossing channels. The discharge is powered by current source, located on the ground. Current pulse shape is optimum for lightning rod creation and has the necessary parameters. Principle possibility of the scheme realization was checked in model experiments with lightning rods of meters scales. Requirements to parameters of laser radiation, focusing system and current source for laser lightning protection realization with lightning rod of ∼100 m height are formulated.