[Paper Review] LOT-G3: Plasma Lamp, Ozonator and CW transmitter

Ricardo Gobato, Desire Francine Gobato+1 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|May 20, 2015

Bluetooth and Wireless Communication Technologies7 citations

TL;DR

LOT-G3 is a low-cost, multifunctional educational device designed for high school physics education, integrating a plasma lamp, ozone generator (ozonator), and continuous wave (CW) Morse code transmitter. Constructed using accessible materials, it demonstrates electromagnetic principles, gas ionization, and ozone formation through simple high-voltage circuits, offering hands-on learning in electromagnetism, atmospheric chemistry, and radio transmission.

ABSTRACT

The LOT-G3 is designed to be a versatile equipment that perform several simple experiments for use in helping the physics classes for high school. Easy construction, low cost, using easily accessible materials. Its construction involves simple practices and knowledge of electromagnetism. It has the function of a plasma globe to demonstrate the ionization of a low pressure gas, as well as the formation of magnetic field. Can be used as sanitizer closed environments such as automotive vehicles in ozonator function, demonstrating the ionization of oxygen in the atmosphere, producing ozone, essential to life on earth. And as a sparks transmitter, low power, low frequency modulated continuous wave in (CW), for signals in Morse code. Therefore the equipment here called LOT-G3, has three functions: a plasma lamp, ozonator and CW transmitter.

Motivation & Objective

• To develop an affordable, accessible educational device for high school physics classrooms that demonstrates core electromagnetism principles.
• To enable students to explore gas ionization and plasma formation through a functional plasma lamp.
• To demonstrate atmospheric ozone generation via oxygen ionization using a simple ozonator function.
• To provide a hands-on platform for learning continuous wave (CW) radio transmission using Morse code.
• To integrate multiple physics concepts—electromagnetism, ionization, and wave transmission—into a single, low-cost, constructible device.

Proposed method

• Construction of a high-voltage oscillator circuit using a flyback transformer and transistor-based switching to generate high-frequency AC.
• Use of a glass sphere filled with low-pressure inert gas to create a visible plasma discharge, demonstrating ionization and electric field effects.
• Modification of the circuit to produce a high-voltage, low-current output suitable for air ionization, forming ozone (O3) from O2 molecules.
• Integration of a keying mechanism to modulate the output signal in Morse code, enabling CW transmission.
• Employment of simple, low-cost components such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, and a high-voltage transformer for accessibility.
• Design of a compact, safe, and enclosed unit suitable for classroom demonstrations and student experimentation.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How can a single low-cost device effectively demonstrate multiple physics phenomena in a high school setting?
• RQ2 What circuit design enables safe and visible plasma formation using accessible components?
• RQ3 To what extent can the same high-voltage circuit generate ozone from atmospheric oxygen?
• RQ4 Can a simple CW transmitter be built using the same core circuit for Morse code transmission?
• RQ5 How does the integration of plasma, ozonator, and transmitter functions enhance student understanding of electromagnetism and atmospheric chemistry?

Key findings

• The LOT-G3 successfully demonstrates visible plasma formation in a low-pressure gas environment, illustrating ionization and electric field lines.
• The device generates ozone from atmospheric oxygen through high-voltage ionization, confirmed by odor and potential chemical detection.
• The CW transmitter function produces a stable, modulated signal suitable for Morse code transmission, usable in short-range communication.
• The device operates effectively across all three functions using a single, shared high-voltage oscillator circuit.
• The construction process is feasible for high school students with basic electronics knowledge, using widely available components.
• The device serves as a versatile educational tool that integrates electromagnetism, gas discharge physics, and radio wave transmission in one system.