Artificial fireball generation via an erosive discharge with tin alloy electrodes

We propose a method for generation of long-living autonomous fireball-like objects via a pulse erosive discharge between tin alloy electrodes. The objects are similar to the natural ball lightning in some properties, in particular, they have high energy density and are capable to burn through thin metal foils. The dynamics of the objects are studied using high speed videorecording. During their lifetime the fireballs generate aerogel threads. The studies of their structure by scanning electron microscopy reveal the presence of tin oxide nanoparticles and nanowhiskers.