Modifying natural droplet systems by charge injection

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 mu m 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.

Automated summary

Modifying droplet behavior has various applications, such as removing pathogens and increasing rainfall. In an environmental experiment, the release of negative charge was shown to affect the formation of natural fog, resulting in an increased concentration of droplets and facilitation of small droplet formation while inhibiting their evaporation. This physics-based droplet modification is highly relevant to weather modification and pathogen control without the need for additional chemicals.