Electrostatic patterns from peeling tape*

It has been known since the 17^th century that as mercury rolls from glass, “barometric light” is emitted[1]. Similarly, as tape is pulled from surfaces, light is emitted that can even extend to produce enough x-rays to image bones within a finger[2]. It has been proposed that the light is generated by discharges that follow triboelectric charging by the tape. In this talk, we discuss new and surprising aspects of triboelectric charging associated with tape peeling including entirely different charge patterns on formerly adjoining surfaces. We describe these unique patterns as well as implications for the charging and adhesion of surfaces and particles in nature and industry.

[1] J. Picard, Le Journal des Sçavans (Paris Ed.), 112 (1676)
[2] C. G. Camara et al., Nature 455, 1089-1092 (2008)