[Steve Packard @ Nov 23rd 2006 7:27PM]

*YAWN* AGAIN *YAWN* NO YOU CANT PAY YOUR ELECTRIC BILL WITH THIS. (sorry for shouting)

I built one of these a few years ago, and then took it apart later. Never got a major neutron count, but that's probably because I didn't use a good diffusion pump. Or because I made my own deuterium (from heavy water).


Hence...I am not one of the 18 listed... you gotta make some neutrons to qualify. It could also be that I didn't have a very good neutron detector. (an old eberline one).

I kinda regreat taking it apart now... especially considering I didn't rebuild a new one like I said I would...

Yes...it's an electrostatic confinement fusion reactor. The most common variation is called a "Farnsworth Fusor" Yes it works. It's easier to build than one might expect. It's not that easy...harder than a tesla coil, but a lot easier than a homebuilt aircraft. It's been around since the 1950's.

Oh also...It can't be used to power anything. No sorry...it's inherently not capable of producing a surplus of energy. If you can find a fusion reactor this simple that produces surplus energy....well then there's some guys in Oslo who have a prize for you.

Not to put the kid down though...it is a lot of fun to get involved in amateur science stuff, and it is beyond the capabilities of most people.

It actually does have a practicle use...that being as a neutron source. it doesn't produce much in the way of neutrons, but it's probably more practicle for certain situations than the alternative (an Am-Be or Cf-252 source).

Actually you should check out fusor.net

[gemini @ Nov 23rd 2006 9:46PM]

isn't is sort of incredible steve packard could create a nuclear fusion reactor but couldn't spell "practical" right?

[Alex C @ Nov 25th 2006 6:13AM]

Stockholm, not Oslo, close though!