Scientists Discover How to Use Ultrasound to Control Electric Plasma

Breakthrough technique could enable new applications in high-voltage electronics, industrial processes, and biomedical treatments.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:36am

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Researchers have found a way to precisely control electric plasma discharges using high-frequency sound waves. By creating areas of low-density air with ultrasound, they can guide the path of plasma sparks with millimeter accuracy - a significant advancement over previous methods that relied on complex, hazardous lasers. This discovery has far-reaching implications, from enabling "invisible wiring" for high-voltage electronics to developing new tactile feedback interfaces and sterilization techniques.

Why it matters

Harnessing the power of electric plasma has long been limited by its chaotic, unpredictable nature. This breakthrough allows for unprecedented control over plasma, opening up new possibilities in fields like high-voltage engineering, industrial manufacturing, and biomedical applications. The use of safe, affordable ultrasound instead of lasers also makes this technology more accessible and practical for real-world use.

The details

The key to the researchers' approach is using ultrasonic fields to reshape the air around a plasma spark. When electricity ignites the air, it lowers the local air density, and the plasma naturally follows the path of least resistance. By creating an "invisible funnel" of low-density air with targeted ultrasound, the scientists can guide the plasma with millimeter precision - a process that stabilizes in just 15 to 35 milliseconds. This is a major improvement over previous laser-based methods, which were complex, expensive, and potentially hazardous.

  • The IEEE International Power Modulator and High Voltage Conference (IPMHVC) is scheduled for July 12-16, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Public University of Navarre

A university in Spain where some of the key research on using ultrasound to control electric plasma was conducted.

University of Helsinki

A Finnish university that collaborated on the plasma control research.

University of Waterloo

A Canadian university that was also involved in the breakthrough discovery.

Strathclyde University's High Voltage Technologies & Electrical Plant Diagnostics group

A research group actively engaged in exploring pulsed power technologies and gas discharges, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to advancing this field.

IEEE International Power Modulator and High Voltage Conference (IPMHVC)

A leading conference that will likely feature research building on this plasma control breakthrough, as it focuses on repetitive pulsed power, high voltage theory, and related diagnostics.

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What’s next

Future research will likely focus on overcoming the current limitation of the technique being most effective with alternating current (AC) sparks, as well as exploring the potential of direct current (DC) spark manipulation. Optimizing ultrasonic field parameters and exploring different gas compositions could also unlock new levels of control and efficiency.

The takeaway

This breakthrough in using ultrasound to precisely control electric plasma discharges represents a significant leap forward in harnessing the power of this potent form of matter. The implications span high-voltage electronics, industrial processes, biomedical applications, and even human-computer interaction, demonstrating the transformative potential of this technology.