Updates:

Deuterium fusion attempts in progress. No detectible fusion yet.

Deuterium Fusion Attempt 4 (4/17/2005):

• Deuterium converter current: no data
• Maximum Vacuum: 25 mTorr

• Neutron background: 12 counts over 5 min

• Neutron count(deuterium run): 11 counts over 5 min
• Operational Vacuum: 70 mTorr
• Grid Potential: -2.9 kV

• Neutron count(dry run): 6 counts over 5 min
• Operational Vacuum: 65 mTorr
• Grid Potential: -3.2 kV

Reactor core retrofitted with stainless steel chamber. New chamber is immune to ion bombardment, however heating limits runs to 5 minuets. Leaks still limit maximum vacuum to 25 mTorr and operational vacuum to approximately 70 mTorr. Due to current limitations on the power supply, fusion will not be possible until operational vacuum is reduced to 10 mTorr, allowing -15kV or greater potential on the central grid.

Deuterium supply operated perfectly, controlling reactor pressure accurately at 50 mTorr.

It was observed that the neutron counter increases in detected rate several minuets after the detector was turned on. This resulted in a low count for the dry run (acquired first), and higher counts for subsequent runs. In the future the counter will be allowed to stabilize before data is taken.

Deuterium Fusion Attempt 3 (2/19/2005):

• Deuterium converter current: no data
• Maximum Vacuum: 35 mTorr
• Detector to inner grid: 18 cm
• Detector area: 12.903 cm^2

• Neutron background: 5 counts over 20 min
• Neutron count(deuterium run): scrubbed due to ion bombardment damage.
• Neutron count(dry run): scrubbed due to ion bombardment damage

Copper shielding enhanced to prevent any direct path of electrons from the inner grid from reaching the reactor wall and an inspection mirror was retrofitted for plasma observation. Vacuum fittings were inspected, teflon pipe tape was replaced, and system was leak checked, however vacuum greater then 35 mTorr could not be obtained.

Despite the shield enhancements, diffuse ion bombardment continued to damage the exposed wall area, and wall outgassing causes vacuum problems. Reactor will be outfitted with a stainless steel chamber.

• Plasma

Deuterium Fusion Attempt 2 (2/12/2005):

• Deuterium converter current: no data
• Maximum Vacuum: 45 mTorr
• Detector to inner grid: 18 cm
• Detector area: 12.903 cm^2

• Neutron background: 0 counts over 10 min
• Neutron count(deuterium run): scrubbed due to ion bombardment damage.
• Neutron count(dry run): scrubbed due to ion bombardment damage

Full copper shielding was added to reactor with a cut view port for observation. The inner grid was positioned to avoid ion beam collision with the unshielded area, however diffuse ion bombardment began to cause high damage to the unshielded area. Full shielding will be implemented. Reactor will be checked for leaks.

• Plasma (High Resolution)
• Reactor damage

Deuterium Fusion Attempt 1 (2/11/2005):

• Deuterium converter current: 93.8 mA
• Maximum Vacuum: 40 mTorr
• Detector to inner grid: 18 cm
• Detector area: 12.903 cm^2

• Neutron background: 4 counts over 25 min
• Neutron count(deuterium run): 6 counts over 5:26 min
• Neutron count(dry run): scrubbed due to turbo pump overheat

Turbo pump was on for approximately 30 min until it became hot to the touch and was shut down. Forced air cooling of the turbo pump will be implemented in subsequent runs. Ion beam from inner grid was deflected from reactor wall using a cusp magnet. Diffuse ion bombardment damage was observed on polycarbonate reactor walls.

First successful test of turbo pump and deuterium supply. Unable to determine if fusion occurred due to lack of a dry run to eliminate electrical noise.

• Control station
• Fusor setup

Useful links:

http://www.fusor.net/ Open Source Fusion Research Consortium.

By attempting to reproduce any experiments or devices listed on this domain in part or in whole, you agree to hold me harmless against any lawsuit or liability.

Copyright © 1998 - 2005 by Andrew Seltzman. All rights reserved.