:The problem, as I see it, is that there is no connection between these two inventions.  They seem related, but the Polynkin technique uses lasers to thermally ionize the air, while the Hettinger patent mentions a "searchlight beam or ultraviolet light" which, if it worked at all, would work by photoionization.  Even if this is overlooked, there is no source saying they are related.  As has been pointed out on this page before, concluding that two ideas are related without a source for it is synthesis.  The Hettinger patent is 100 years old, it is a primary source, and there is no evidence it was ever demonstrated experimentally.