This is just a quick update on the fusor.
I am currently upgrading my vacuum system and and adding in a diffusion pump, which is a type of high vacuum pump used in series with a mechanical pump, this pump should allow me to reach pressures of less than 1 millitorr. I am also going to build a 50kV/5mA power supply, which should allow me to do fusion. I am also building a 6", spherical stainless steel chamber, complete with conflat high vacuum flanges, a nice high voltage feedthrough, an ion source operating off the magnetron principle, and a nice viewport.
Recently, I also entered my fusor in the science fair as part of a project titled "Effects of an Outer Grid on an Inertial Electrostatically Confined Fusion Reactor", and I received many awards!
I received the following awards:
- Mars Society Grand Prize
- 1st Place in Physics at the District Science Fair
- District Fair Grand Prize
- Superior Rating at Districts
- Akron Council of Engineering and Scientific Societies Grand Prize
- Bridgestone America Best Physics Project
- 2nd in Physics at NEOSEF
- Superior Rating at NEOSEF
- The Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award
- International Society of Automation Grand Prize
- Superior Rating and Perfect Score at Ohio State Science Fair (no prizes like 1st 2nd or 3rd were given out)
I also received a perfect score at states, meaning my work will be published in the Ohio Academy of Science's Publication. And I will attend a Junior Academy of Science Conference in D.C.
Me at states in front of my project
Now for some pictures of the fusor, these were taken during, or just prior to, it's last run before being critically damaged.
This picture is my favorite, makes an excellent desktop background
Another one of my favorites, camera is looking down an e-beam
Yet another of my favorites
BIG bugle jet
