I was about to make a comment regarding using UV lasers and ionization - then decided to take a second to google it, and found this interesting (though short) d

I was about to make a comment regarding using UV lasers and ionization - then decided to take a second to google it, and found this interesting (though short) discussion: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/laser-to-ionize-air-to-run-current-laser-power-per-foot.795093/ https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/laser-to-ionize-air-to... In short, I think your conclusion is likely correct...