Modifying natural droplet systems by charge injection

Abstract

Modifying droplet behavior has wide applications, from removing pathogens to increasing rainfall. In an environmental experiment, negative charge release is demonstrated to influence a natural fog. During charge emission, the average mass concentration of 1 μm droplets increased by 95.3%. For smaller droplets, concentrations during charge emission exceeded those without charge emission at the 99% confidence level. This is consistent with charge both facilitating formation of small droplets and inhibiting their evaporation. Physics-based droplet modification has immediate relevance to weather modification and, conceivably, pathogen control, without the introduction of additional chemical materials.