The Ion-Plume “Want Field” Hypothesis

Written By Johnathan McGary

The Ion-Plume “Want Field” Hypothesis: Toward a New Understanding of Ball Lightning and Anomalous Levitation

Author: John L. McGary
Institution: Ludlow Research Institute, Department of Theoretical Sciences
Date: September 2025

Abstract

Ball lightning and anomalous levitation experiments remain poorly understood despite centuries of observation. This paper proposes a novel framework—the Ion-Plume “Want Field” Hypothesis—which suggests that ionized gas columns may generate localized electron demand fields that entrain matter and alter solid-state materials. Unlike classical “ion wind” or plasma buoyancy models, this hypothesis combines three effects: (1) upward buoyancy of hot ion plumes, (2) continuous electron/ion draw (“Want”) toward the plasma column, and (3) potential lattice softening of nearby metals through electron depletion. Together, these mechanisms may explain both the levitation of objects in historic experiments and the inward-directed arcs observed in ball lightning videos.

Introduction

Ball lightning has been recorded for centuries, yet physical models remain inconclusive. Traditional explanations include self-contained plasma toroids, silicon combustion models, and microwave cavity theories. Separately, reports of anomalous levitation in high-voltage experiments (e.g., early 20th-century demonstrations with vacuum tubes and arc discharges) have been dismissed as ion wind or experimental artifact.

This paper proposes that both phenomena may share a common underlying process: the creation of an ion plume that generates a region of electron demand, hereafter termed a Want Field.

Theoretical Framework

  1. Ion Buoyancy

    • Hot plasmas are less dense than surrounding air and rise similarly to thermal convection.

    • When ions are introduced (e.g., from leaking tubes, corona discharges, or arc breakdown), a vertical column of charged gas may form above conductive surfaces.

  2. The “Want Field”

    • Unlike neutral thermals, an ion plume requires charge balance.

    • If local free electrons or negative ions are unavailable in the immediate volume, the plume begins to “pull” from conductive surfaces below.

    • This creates an effective electron current demand, perceived as arcs flowing toward the plasma (opposite to typical lightning discharges).

  3. Levitation by Charge Entrainment

    • Neutral or lightweight objects may be swept into the ion stream, carried upward by a combination of buoyant lift and directed charge flow.

    • This differs from traditional “ion wind” in that the motion is not purely mechanical thrust but a coupled charge–mass flow.

  4. Metal Softening via Electron Depletion

    • If the electron withdrawal from a surface is sufficiently localized, it may alter bonding strength in the lattice, reducing hardness temporarily.

    • Observations of softened or deformed metal in historical accounts could be consistent with such transient depletion.

Supporting Observations

  • Ball lightning videos: arcs often appear to stream into the luminous sphere rather than outward, suggesting a persistent inward draw.

  • Historic experiments: reports of objects floating during high-voltage demonstrations, sometimes accompanied by abnormal heating or metal deformation.

  • Modern plasma physics: ion winds and corona discharges are well-documented, but the combined effect of sustained electron demand + buoyant ion plume has not been fully characterized.

Implications

If validated, the Want Field hypothesis would:

  • Provide a unified model linking anomalous levitation and ball lightning.

  • Suggest new approaches to controlled plasma levitation systems.

  • Open the possibility of exploring negative-energy analogs, since the “pull” mechanism resembles the extraction of potential from the environment.

Experimental Proposals

  1. Controlled Ion Plume Generation

    • Use an array of plasma tubes or corona electrodes to produce a vertical ion plume.

    • Monitor for arcs directed into the plume.

  2. Material Response Testing

    • Place thin conductive samples beneath the plume.

    • Test for changes in hardness, ductility, or electron density during exposure.

  3. Levitation Attempt

    • Introduce lightweight objects (e.g., foils, carbon spheres) into the field.

    • Record motion under high-speed cameras to distinguish ion wind vs. charge entrainment.

Conclusion

The Ion-Plume “Want Field” Hypothesis represents a possible step forward in understanding anomalous plasma behavior. By uniting buoyancy, electron demand, and material alteration under one framework, it offers a fresh path for experimental validation. Whether explaining the persistence of ball lightning or the levitation of objects in early plasma labs, this model provides a testable, falsifiable basis for further study.

References

  • Wilczek, F. 2012. Quantum Time Crystals. Physical Review Letters 109(16): 160401.

  • Abrahamson, J., and C. Dinniss. 2000. “Ball Lightning Caused by Oxidation of Silicon Particles.” Nature 403: 519–521.

  • Ohtsuki, Y. H., and H. Ofuruton. 1991. “Plasma Ball Lightning Simulation.” Journal of Geophysical Research 96(D9): 17,753–17,759.

  • Brown, T. T. 1929. “Electrokinetic Apparatus.” U.S. Patent 300,311.

Johnathan McGary
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