# Advanced Spectrally-Resolved Plasma Diagnostics of Lightning

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM) · $750,000

## Abstract

Lightning is a primary hazard to life and property from convective weather.  The atmospheric electricity community has made strides in better understanding lightning, but the high energy and short time scale characteristics that make lightning a hazard also make it difficult to observe.  This award will seek to answer questions about lightning using multiple techniques, including new and existing radio, optical, and X-ray sensors.  The societal benefit of this work is in terms of improved understanding and detection of lightning, leading to increased public safety.  A cohort of students will be involved in the research, allowing for training of the next generation of scientists.

The primary objective of this project is to probe lightning and its fundamental physics with simultaneous multi-band sensors (radio + optical + X-rays). Radio sensors to be used include fast/slow electric field change antennas, and a 3D lightning mapping array. Optical instrumentation includes a photometer array, a high-speed camera and grism spectrometer, and a newly-developed instrument which leverages the emerging technology of neuromorphic sensors allowing for position-resolved, spectrally-resolved leader optical diagnostics.  High energy measurements will be made by an X-ray scintillation detector and a gamma-ray detector.  Observations will be performed at the New Mexico Langmuir Laboratory mountaintop facility, addressing the following research questions:  1) What are the dominant characteri

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2512899
- **Awardee organization:** New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HZJ2JZUALWN4
- **PI:** Caitano L da Silva
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $750,000
- **Funds obligated:** $750,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2512899

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2512899, Advanced Spectrally-Resolved Plasma Diagnostics of Lightning. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2512899. Licensed CC0.

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