Can you rotate or control a pulsed plasma using a magnetic field? And what happens if the pulse is only about 100 nanoseconds long?

In this video, I respond to a viewer question about gliding arcs, pulsed plasmas, magnetic fields, and whether it is possible to control ignition, reignition, and arc motion on very short timescales.

I walk through the basic sequence of atmospheric-pressure discharge formation: electron avalanche, streamer, spark, and arc. Then I explain different ways to influence or steer plasma, including gas flow, magnetic fields, electrode geometry, pressure gradients, laser or electron-beam pre-ionization, and even acoustic pressure waves.

The key point: at 100 nanoseconds, you may not really have a fully developed arc yet. You are likely still in the avalanche, streamer, or early spark regime, depending on pr ...