Ch 2 x Notes | Design Theory & Plasma Light Sculpture 1st Edition

By PercyEcholsII Mar 6, 2023

Hello Lightning Tamers!

Finally, a new addition to the Intro to Plasma Chapter Notes aka “CH x Notes“.

This guide will be an overview of the attributes that you will want to consider in designing your glass vessel (sculpture) for plasma illumination.

While not a substitute for consultation or instruction, I understand that there is a need for a more in-depth guide to help navigate all these design points from the stages of making, to the filling, and completing for display, and so I’ll announce that the next guide I will be developing will be more instructional and will be the topic of Navigating the Design Process from Start to finish. Until then, there will be video lectures in production based on the guides I’ve developed.

Please support future Guides and Information!

Resist the urge to settle for what is convenient, and be intentional with designing your plasma sculptures.

This will save you time and frustration when preparing the final display of your plasma lamp.

-Percy Echols II

What’s the difference between a Neon Sign and Plasma?
Attributes to consider:
- Lumination: Curating Visibility and purpose for lighting
- Discharge Modes: type of illumination see in plasma that are inlunced by pressure, gas mixture, and geometry.
  - Dark Mode
  - Glow Mode
  - Arc Mode
- Levels of Interactivity: plasma has a “behavior” that responds to patrons proximity and touch, so designing so that this can be done safely and securely.
- Electrode Placement: The origin of your illumination, dictated by geometry and orientation of the sculpture
- Electrode Type: How energy is transferred to the gases inside
- Electrode Attachment Method: Make a hollow sculpture into a plasma vessel, and choose what fits your sculptural and aesthetic needs.
- Visibility of Cords/Wire
- Geometry: relating to the shape or form of hte surface or solid such as: scale & volume, open/constricted, and Figuration vs Abstraction.
Effects of Geometry through Similar Gas Fills

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