Relativistic feedback discharges in dielectric solids

10 Mar. 2026

AI-assisted illustration generated specifically for this publication by the authors: Lightning in a glass marble.

Relativistic feedback discharge processes are believed to be responsible for intense gamma-ray flashes produced in atmospheric thunderstorms. These phenomena occur over length scales of several hundred meters and could not previously be reproduced in the laboratory. Inspired by these phenomena, we have uncovered a new way to produce and amplify intense bursts of X-rays in dielectric solids through similar physical mechanisms, but on centimeter-scale lengths. This work published in Physical Review Letters makes it possible to study these phenomena in the laboratory and opens the way to new X-ray sources.

For more information:
Pasko, V. P., S. Celestin, and A. Bourdon, Relativistic feedback discharges in dielectric solids, Physical Review Letters, 136, 095301, 2026
https://doi.org/10.1103/4p6l-rzck