Systems
From the turbomolecular pump to the Conflat chamber, everything that removes air from the system and helps to keep it out.
20-60 kV 10 mA power supplies are generally only used in research and even used supplies are very expensive. I set out to build my own.
The system that detects neutrons from fusion events. It was necessary to build a moderator block for the detector tube.
What is a farnsworth fusor?
Developed by Philo Farnsworth and Robert Hirsch in 1967, it is a small device that uses Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) to achieve fusion. They are not viable for power production, but they continue to be built for research as a controllable source of neutrons. It is a simple enough working principle that it has become popular for amateurs to build small versions. These “fusors” come in two types: demonstration fusors, and fusion-capable fusors. These small systems do not produce dangerous amounts of neutron or X-ray radiation, as the amount of fusion happening in even the best of systems is no more than 8×106 neutrons/second isotropic. The most dangerous part of a fusor is always the high voltage system, which operates above 27,000 volts, so protections need to be in place to operate the system safely.
Subsystems
Vacuum systems are notorious for the difficulty in finding leaks. I used a combination of solvent detection and Visible light Spectroscopy.
I have worked with a wide range of radiation detection technologies and I enjoy repairing old equipment.
Amateur fusors do not produce harmful amounts of neutron or X-ray radiation, but I enjoy designing safety systems including shielding.