I just ran across your website this week end. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors to building a functioning polywell reactor, and will be following from the sidelines.
Here is a link to Don Gay’s article about the Bussard reactor that would be nice to have in your Blogroll list:
Hello,
I just came across your website via the link at iecfusiontech.blogspot. I have to echo some of the other comments here- what you’re doing is awesome. I’m going to contribute in the fundraiser, but I was also curious if you would consider additional t-shirt designs. I do some graphic design work when I’m not studying, and would be happy to draw some up free of charge. Also, on the outside chance you can make use of people contributing to this project remotely, I would be interested in that as well. I’m an engineering undergrad and probably unqualified to help in most respects, but I would be more than willing to take on busy work of any sort if it helps expedite this project.
I came across the whole Bussard fusion reactor topic yesterday by chance via a link from comments in a New Scientist article – and I’ve been obsessed with finding more information since – thank you for this site.
A specific question: why Teflon formers – I’m guessing because it is invisible to magnetic fields (as are the aluminum brackets?). Any reason this approach wasn’t tried in WB6 (forces too high for Teflon/Aluminum?).
Has anyone tried to get a guy like Richard Branson involved for funding? Reading his biography and his motto “Screw it, let’s do it”, I think he could be up for this. After all, he is the man who is willing to take a large punt on sub-orbital space flight for the “masses”. How much more spectacular would flights to the moon or beyond be in a decade or two.
Wishing you all the best, looking forward to news. I will contribute some funds too.
I came across your blog whilst searching for information about capacitors for a slightly less noble and philanthropic project (coilgun). As an A level physics student here in the UK, I think what you are doing is admirable. I wish you the very best of luck and will be following this blog closely.
I’m a fusion lurker. Congratulations! Reading some of your recent “press” and perusing your website I just have a suggestion. In the interest of not being too cavalier about safety, we all know fusing the atom is not a dangerous from the “nuclear” point of view. But your arcing electronics, sizable cap bank, exposed leads and the like could possibly cause a nasty fire. NYFD can put a stop to your plans pretty quick. How about paying attention to these matters and highlighting them in your blog.
Walked through PBF-1A at Sandia N.L. ,1982, for interview.
Also walked through Surface Chem., Balistics, and Solar Array.
Accepted position with Goodyear Aerospace, 1983, in their
GSEP (Gaseous Centrifuge Enrichment Program.)
Still, hope a small number of fusion reactors will, someday, supply our
nation’s electrical needs.
Best wishes.
I have money to invest, and I would be willing to work for you for FREE!
I am an expert trouble-shooter, I think different (just like you do) and have solved so many technical problems that I could never actually total the exact number.
I have written software to overcome detector/sensor issues.
I am a commercial pilot, a sailor, a writer (to name just a few of the things I have done in the past) and my many different past endeavors allows me to see problems from view-points that few others could even imagine.
If I meet one more guy in a Brooklyn Bar building his own fusion reactor I’m going to loose it. Seriously, let’s turn the ambition meter up a notch here.
Joking of course and was good meeting you over beers in Brooklyn on Sat. night. I Googled your project after waking up with your card in my pocket and am blown away by the scale, scope and vision of your project. I appreciate your core commitment to solving the energy problem and your enthusiasm was contagious. Keep it up and nice work.
Just wanted to let you know National Instruments is uber-impressed with your homemade fusion reactor (we saw the CNN video). We’re happy to find our low-cost USB DAQ hardware and a little bit of LabVIEW software are helping you tackle this incredible challenge. Be sure to let us know if we can help with anything. Our online discussion forums are a great place to start if you need any support for our products (ni.com/forums).
I came across Kenneth Snelson’s “Atom” (http://www.darwinathome.org/images/snelson-atom-metal.jpg), which is a sculptural representation of a Tellurium atom. The sculpture consists of several nested truncated polyhedrons. I thought you’d get a kick out of the polywell showing up in an artistic setting.
I monitor IEC fusion notes on the web, and saw navigated thru to your site.
I haven’t gone thru it in detail, but your efforts look very impressive. Tight
computer control of even a research fusor is a really good idea. In my own
experiments, i found it difficult to maintain the fusor at its neutron-generating
optimal settings. Too many parameters had to be knife-edged balanced at
key levels for stable operation in manual mode. It was enough demonstrate
the proof-of-concept (and sometimes I would get a great cascade of bubbles
in a short time – a few minutes – in the BTI detectors), but the system just
cried out for some tight computer control of parms like deuterium flow rate,
chamber pressure, voltage level, and such. A mass flow management device
to regulate the D2 was something my system lacked (and still does…) but
was a really obvious requirement.
Just wanted to send you a short note and offer encouragement. This technology
is worth investigating further. I am intrigued by your use of superconducting
magnets. Will you attempt construction of a prototype gridless device?
I look forward to following your efforts in this area, if such is the case.
All the best,
– Mark Langdon,
Ontario, Canada.,
Kudos on your mention in the recent NYT article “Turning
geek into chic.” Funny how the myth of “clean” nuclear fusion
persists across the decades. In your design: How do you shield for
the neutrons you’ll produce when your fusion reactor is operating?
What about identification and disposal materials activated by those
neutrons? What about neutron irradiation of yourselves and loft or
farther off–what’s the anticipated neutron flux into your
surroundings when your fusion reactor is operating? And presuming
you are fuelling with H and T, when your fusion reactor is
operating how do you account for and presumably collect and recycle
unreacted tritium ? Wishing you and your neighbors all the best ~
John a bit west of Brooklyn
I came across your blog while checking up on the fusor.net site. Congratulations on your progress!
About a year ago I was experimenting with fusion in an attempt to further control deuterium by crushing it in a high speed centrifuge (still in its liquid state rather than as a gas). I was thinking I might emulate cavitation pitting seen on beryllium propellers in the ocean. I just posted a video of the experiment on YouTube if you are interested. The Geiger counter I was using at the time was one of the old Civil Defense units from the 1960’s. I didn’t have a bubble dosimeter so not sure what caused my gauge readings but suspect it was EMF. Would appreciate any feedback when you have a moment. The url is:
I’ve been following your progress ever since the Gizmodo write-up last June. I’ve happily donated to the cause via the Paypal link, but I was wondering if you’d taken this to Kickstarter.
I don’t see any reason that we can’t crowd source the funding for some of the most important science in Brooklyn/anywhere. Especially since it’s enabled everything from multi-touch watche kits to Detroit’s $70k bronze statue of Robocop (unarguably the noblest of causes). Of course, whether or not funding cheap fusion energy is more important than immortalizing Robocop depends on ones priorities, but I like to think that most would at least view the two on an equal footing.
Keep up the admirable work – I can’t wait to read about what happens next.
Hi Mark, just checked in on your site to see what you are up to. Site looks good, but I would expect nothing less :)
Things are progressing slowly over here, I have just achieved first vacuum for my FICS fusion project. Actual power up is some time away. Patent application is due for publication in a few days.
Just stumbled across the liftoff video on youtube, friggin awesome! Mark, you the man! While I have no hands on experience, I’ve been following fusion ever since college. There was a period where I spent a lot of time digging thru the archives for Tesla diagrams. I remember seeing something where he claimed to have actually figured out fusion before Einstein, but didn’t share the details. He may have been telling the truth.
Our hopes are currently pinned on Polywell, but maybe it’s even simpler. Doesn’t a Tesla coil create a transient electron well, isolated in space magnetically, when it arcs and the magnetic field collapses? Thinking along the lines of aurora borealis, charged particles being magnetically guided to the poles, perhaps a perfectly tuned Tesla coil could do the same thing? The well would attract the positive ions, the collapsing magnetic field would further accelerate the ions creating a tighter magnetic pinch effect. How one calculates the perfect frequency (and number of coils) based on the mass of the ions and the distance from the outer mesh, etc., I’ve no idea. Something to tease the brain.
I greatly appreciate what your doing with the polywell technology and your valiant efforts to bring to light an alternative to the rather tyrannical tokamak.
I was wondering…have you considered the possibility of using paschen arcing for power generation? I understand your attempts are focused on fusion and paschen arcs are probably unfavorable to you but I would like to know for a project of my own.
Sorry, i’m a bit unconventional as far as posts, I’ll try to keep it tamed…As a kid studying Einstein and the possibility of cold fusion took my breath away at the age of 12. Being a Science geek growing up was just NOT cool, but always was curious about science and scored well into college level understanding while in elementary school. I’ve been a graphic designer for the last 12 years and forgot about science but since the economic crash in the US, I’ve gotten wrapped up in my actual dream which was the capturable energies of the universe. Nicola Tesla is one of my FAV’s, but I am understanding there are endless possibilities when it comes to transmutation of specific elements. Tesla… That poor guy was powerfully misunderstood! If he was reincarnated… his spirit would be yours! The difference between you and him are that you are being “UNDERSTOOD”. This is a unique and very special position that you are in sir. I’m glad you stepped up to the plate. Major inspiration for us all!! A quote from Terrance Mann, (And yeah, I just watched field of dreams….not to say this quote is inept… “”There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place…and the universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what’s possible.” I don’t think the universe has opened up for a few seconds now, it’s all open!!! Holy Sh*tballs!! May we all share in your spirit of finding the next generation of energy. I see you giving this project your all and just wanted to tell you that you’ve got one more joining in the force here!! In school now seeking degree in physics and when more fin aid comes along… I’m definitely donating to the cause!!…. Let’s burn it up YO! Let’s burn it up GOOD!! I wanna give something back to this world because I’ve taken so much without regard and now it’s time to make a change…..
While studying mechaical engineering I fell in love with the idea of fusion and have kept my ears perked for any and all news on its progress and innovation. It is inspiring that you are taking charge and concentrating your professional focus towards such a radical field, an energy breakthrough purposefully overlooked by the oily hands controlling funds. The one way I may be able to indirectly contribute, if what I share isn’t total snake oil, is by directing you to hopefully a helpful component for your research/design. I don’t know if you have heard of the rodin coil, its a design for an electromagnetic coil in a specially wrapped pattern around a toroidal cylinder. I stumbled upon the term a couple years back, the science seemed a bit sketchy and unfounded but there are a ton of interesting youtube videos displaying possibilities for generating a unique magnetic field with the design. It is something anyone can replicate and that has led to many grassroots style experiments among other inventors/tinkerers. I don’t know much besides the coil is supposedly the ideal design for generating an optimum e-field. I saw the polywell and it just seemed that 6 of these coils could play the part of the magrid. check out the videos and research, if it seems legit maybe build some and try’em out. If it seems ridiculous, well hell, at least you’re still doing something great. Again, look up the ‘Rodin Coil’ and hopefully you can get something from it. Either way, keep me posted and I hope to be able to fund you in the future! Who knows, if I tire of coporate slavery maybe I could even work to contribute or help in some way. Godspeed dude!
You might try using an electron gun from a old TV. I once built an oscilloscope from one I got in a thrift store. If gently broke the glass you could pull out the apparatus. It looks fairly complicated but its simple enough if you spend a few minutes playing with it. Just a though :) good luck.
Prometheus Fusion Perfection
Hi famulus,
I just ran across your website this week end. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors to building a functioning polywell reactor, and will be following from the sidelines.
Here is a link to Don Gay’s article about the Bussard reactor that would be nice to have in your Blogroll list:
http://newenergyandfuel.com/http:/newenergyandfuel/com/2007/08/21/don-gays-the-bussard-fusion-concept/
Best wishes,
Tom Kastan
Nice meeting you the other day man – I def. wanna come back and take some proper photos of you in the work space. Can we make that happen next week?
What’s your email and I can send you some images from the other day.
Best,
Thaddeus
Hello,
I just came across your website via the link at iecfusiontech.blogspot. I have to echo some of the other comments here- what you’re doing is awesome. I’m going to contribute in the fundraiser, but I was also curious if you would consider additional t-shirt designs. I do some graphic design work when I’m not studying, and would be happy to draw some up free of charge. Also, on the outside chance you can make use of people contributing to this project remotely, I would be interested in that as well. I’m an engineering undergrad and probably unqualified to help in most respects, but I would be more than willing to take on busy work of any sort if it helps expedite this project.
Best of luck,
Kyle
Hey Kyle, thanks for the support!
I actually had nothing to do with that t-shirt. Although it’s cool.
I think they are automatically generated from reddit submissions.
You are more qualified than me! So I’m sure you can help. If you see a place you can contribute, chime in.
Hi,
I came across the whole Bussard fusion reactor topic yesterday by chance via a link from comments in a New Scientist article – and I’ve been obsessed with finding more information since – thank you for this site.
A specific question: why Teflon formers – I’m guessing because it is invisible to magnetic fields (as are the aluminum brackets?). Any reason this approach wasn’t tried in WB6 (forces too high for Teflon/Aluminum?).
Has anyone tried to get a guy like Richard Branson involved for funding? Reading his biography and his motto “Screw it, let’s do it”, I think he could be up for this. After all, he is the man who is willing to take a large punt on sub-orbital space flight for the “masses”. How much more spectacular would flights to the moon or beyond be in a decade or two.
Wishing you all the best, looking forward to news. I will contribute some funds too.
Cheers,
Oliver
Hi Famulus,
I came across your blog whilst searching for information about capacitors for a slightly less noble and philanthropic project (coilgun). As an A level physics student here in the UK, I think what you are doing is admirable. I wish you the very best of luck and will be following this blog closely.
I will be donating and spreading the word.
Ollie
I’m a fusion lurker. Congratulations! Reading some of your recent “press” and perusing your website I just have a suggestion. In the interest of not being too cavalier about safety, we all know fusing the atom is not a dangerous from the “nuclear” point of view. But your arcing electronics, sizable cap bank, exposed leads and the like could possibly cause a nasty fire. NYFD can put a stop to your plans pretty quick. How about paying attention to these matters and highlighting them in your blog.
See you at Q > 1
Cheers
Agreed. I’ll do a post on fire safety and preparation.
Walked through PBF-1A at Sandia N.L. ,1982, for interview.
Also walked through Surface Chem., Balistics, and Solar Array.
Accepted position with Goodyear Aerospace, 1983, in their
GSEP (Gaseous Centrifuge Enrichment Program.)
Still, hope a small number of fusion reactors will, someday, supply our
nation’s electrical needs.
Best wishes.
I have money to invest, and I would be willing to work for you for FREE!
I am an expert trouble-shooter, I think different (just like you do) and have solved so many technical problems that I could never actually total the exact number.
I have written software to overcome detector/sensor issues.
I am a commercial pilot, a sailor, a writer (to name just a few of the things I have done in the past) and my many different past endeavors allows me to see problems from view-points that few others could even imagine.
–tim–
If I meet one more guy in a Brooklyn Bar building his own fusion reactor I’m going to loose it. Seriously, let’s turn the ambition meter up a notch here.
Joking of course and was good meeting you over beers in Brooklyn on Sat. night. I Googled your project after waking up with your card in my pocket and am blown away by the scale, scope and vision of your project. I appreciate your core commitment to solving the energy problem and your enthusiasm was contagious. Keep it up and nice work.
just wondering if you have any plans to implement a PoPs system ( http://www.talk-polywell.org/bb/viewtopic.php?t=131&view=next&sid=22c4d6affa087a697a18f2cf175bb66e ) or use ECR (microwave).
PoPs is definitely on my radar. Could be an easy win.
amigo ! la mejor de las vibraciones ! muchos existos =D eres una inspiracion para muchos
Hi Mark –
Just wanted to let you know National Instruments is uber-impressed with your homemade fusion reactor (we saw the CNN video). We’re happy to find our low-cost USB DAQ hardware and a little bit of LabVIEW software are helping you tackle this incredible challenge. Be sure to let us know if we can help with anything. Our online discussion forums are a great place to start if you need any support for our products (ni.com/forums).
I wrote up a Sweet Apps blog post on our website to promote your project and your blog: http://decibel.ni.com/content/groups/sweet-apps/blog/2010/08/16/building-a-homemade-nuclear-fusion-reactor-with-ni-usb-daq
Let me know what you think. And just want to say thanks: for being an inspiration to all of us engineers and scientists, and all.
– Emilie
Hey Famulus
I came across Kenneth Snelson’s “Atom” (http://www.darwinathome.org/images/snelson-atom-metal.jpg), which is a sculptural representation of a Tellurium atom. The sculpture consists of several nested truncated polyhedrons. I thought you’d get a kick out of the polywell showing up in an artistic setting.
Good luck on the project,
Andreas
Hello Famulus,
I monitor IEC fusion notes on the web, and saw navigated thru to your site.
I haven’t gone thru it in detail, but your efforts look very impressive. Tight
computer control of even a research fusor is a really good idea. In my own
experiments, i found it difficult to maintain the fusor at its neutron-generating
optimal settings. Too many parameters had to be knife-edged balanced at
key levels for stable operation in manual mode. It was enough demonstrate
the proof-of-concept (and sometimes I would get a great cascade of bubbles
in a short time – a few minutes – in the BTI detectors), but the system just
cried out for some tight computer control of parms like deuterium flow rate,
chamber pressure, voltage level, and such. A mass flow management device
to regulate the D2 was something my system lacked (and still does…) but
was a really obvious requirement.
Just wanted to send you a short note and offer encouragement. This technology
is worth investigating further. I am intrigued by your use of superconducting
magnets. Will you attempt construction of a prototype gridless device?
I look forward to following your efforts in this area, if such is the case.
All the best,
– Mark Langdon,
Ontario, Canada.,
Just want to say that it is really fantastic to see you making progress and having fun with this. Thanks for the blog. All the best for the future.
T.
Kudos on your mention in the recent NYT article “Turning
geek into chic.” Funny how the myth of “clean” nuclear fusion
persists across the decades. In your design: How do you shield for
the neutrons you’ll produce when your fusion reactor is operating?
What about identification and disposal materials activated by those
neutrons? What about neutron irradiation of yourselves and loft or
farther off–what’s the anticipated neutron flux into your
surroundings when your fusion reactor is operating? And presuming
you are fuelling with H and T, when your fusion reactor is
operating how do you account for and presumably collect and recycle
unreacted tritium ? Wishing you and your neighbors all the best ~
John a bit west of Brooklyn
Hello Famulus,
I came across your blog while checking up on the fusor.net site. Congratulations on your progress!
About a year ago I was experimenting with fusion in an attempt to further control deuterium by crushing it in a high speed centrifuge (still in its liquid state rather than as a gas). I was thinking I might emulate cavitation pitting seen on beryllium propellers in the ocean. I just posted a video of the experiment on YouTube if you are interested. The Geiger counter I was using at the time was one of the old Civil Defense units from the 1960’s. I didn’t have a bubble dosimeter so not sure what caused my gauge readings but suspect it was EMF. Would appreciate any feedback when you have a moment. The url is:
Guy Cobb
Can you help please. Can you give me all the information in a word file on how to do it, the design, materials, theory, and links
I’ve been following your progress ever since the Gizmodo write-up last June. I’ve happily donated to the cause via the Paypal link, but I was wondering if you’d taken this to Kickstarter.
I don’t see any reason that we can’t crowd source the funding for some of the most important science in Brooklyn/anywhere. Especially since it’s enabled everything from multi-touch watche kits to Detroit’s $70k bronze statue of Robocop (unarguably the noblest of causes). Of course, whether or not funding cheap fusion energy is more important than immortalizing Robocop depends on ones priorities, but I like to think that most would at least view the two on an equal footing.
Keep up the admirable work – I can’t wait to read about what happens next.
Cheers,
JW
Already did!
That makes me excessively happy, particularly the part where the funding goal was knocked out of the park.
Truly inspirational. You have had my attention from the start. I believe you, and this technology, are going to change this world. Hats off to you.
This and many other homebrew projects, all move into one city and call it “Eureka” :)
Hi Mark, just checked in on your site to see what you are up to. Site looks good, but I would expect nothing less :)
Things are progressing slowly over here, I have just achieved first vacuum for my FICS fusion project. Actual power up is some time away. Patent application is due for publication in a few days.
Patience is a virtue.
LInk for “WB6 Report” does not work removed a couple of years back.
Thanks, I’ll update soon.
Just stumbled across the liftoff video on youtube, friggin awesome! Mark, you the man! While I have no hands on experience, I’ve been following fusion ever since college. There was a period where I spent a lot of time digging thru the archives for Tesla diagrams. I remember seeing something where he claimed to have actually figured out fusion before Einstein, but didn’t share the details. He may have been telling the truth.
Our hopes are currently pinned on Polywell, but maybe it’s even simpler. Doesn’t a Tesla coil create a transient electron well, isolated in space magnetically, when it arcs and the magnetic field collapses? Thinking along the lines of aurora borealis, charged particles being magnetically guided to the poles, perhaps a perfectly tuned Tesla coil could do the same thing? The well would attract the positive ions, the collapsing magnetic field would further accelerate the ions creating a tighter magnetic pinch effect. How one calculates the perfect frequency (and number of coils) based on the mass of the ions and the distance from the outer mesh, etc., I’ve no idea. Something to tease the brain.
Enough pontificating … all the best guys!
I greatly appreciate what your doing with the polywell technology and your valiant efforts to bring to light an alternative to the rather tyrannical tokamak.
I was wondering…have you considered the possibility of using paschen arcing for power generation? I understand your attempts are focused on fusion and paschen arcs are probably unfavorable to you but I would like to know for a project of my own.
Thanks in advance
Sorry, i’m a bit unconventional as far as posts, I’ll try to keep it tamed…As a kid studying Einstein and the possibility of cold fusion took my breath away at the age of 12. Being a Science geek growing up was just NOT cool, but always was curious about science and scored well into college level understanding while in elementary school. I’ve been a graphic designer for the last 12 years and forgot about science but since the economic crash in the US, I’ve gotten wrapped up in my actual dream which was the capturable energies of the universe. Nicola Tesla is one of my FAV’s, but I am understanding there are endless possibilities when it comes to transmutation of specific elements. Tesla… That poor guy was powerfully misunderstood! If he was reincarnated… his spirit would be yours! The difference between you and him are that you are being “UNDERSTOOD”. This is a unique and very special position that you are in sir. I’m glad you stepped up to the plate. Major inspiration for us all!! A quote from Terrance Mann, (And yeah, I just watched field of dreams….not to say this quote is inept… “”There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place…and the universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what’s possible.” I don’t think the universe has opened up for a few seconds now, it’s all open!!! Holy Sh*tballs!! May we all share in your spirit of finding the next generation of energy. I see you giving this project your all and just wanted to tell you that you’ve got one more joining in the force here!! In school now seeking degree in physics and when more fin aid comes along… I’m definitely donating to the cause!!…. Let’s burn it up YO! Let’s burn it up GOOD!! I wanna give something back to this world because I’ve taken so much without regard and now it’s time to make a change…..
While studying mechaical engineering I fell in love with the idea of fusion and have kept my ears perked for any and all news on its progress and innovation. It is inspiring that you are taking charge and concentrating your professional focus towards such a radical field, an energy breakthrough purposefully overlooked by the oily hands controlling funds. The one way I may be able to indirectly contribute, if what I share isn’t total snake oil, is by directing you to hopefully a helpful component for your research/design. I don’t know if you have heard of the rodin coil, its a design for an electromagnetic coil in a specially wrapped pattern around a toroidal cylinder. I stumbled upon the term a couple years back, the science seemed a bit sketchy and unfounded but there are a ton of interesting youtube videos displaying possibilities for generating a unique magnetic field with the design. It is something anyone can replicate and that has led to many grassroots style experiments among other inventors/tinkerers. I don’t know much besides the coil is supposedly the ideal design for generating an optimum e-field. I saw the polywell and it just seemed that 6 of these coils could play the part of the magrid. check out the videos and research, if it seems legit maybe build some and try’em out. If it seems ridiculous, well hell, at least you’re still doing something great. Again, look up the ‘Rodin Coil’ and hopefully you can get something from it. Either way, keep me posted and I hope to be able to fund you in the future! Who knows, if I tire of coporate slavery maybe I could even work to contribute or help in some way. Godspeed dude!
Famulous: Have you thought of ways to extract energy from the polywell to try to reach breakeven?
Seems the like the updates have trailed off a little bit. I really hope you are still hard at work and haven’t given up.
You might try using an electron gun from a old TV. I once built an oscilloscope from one I got in a thrift store. If gently broke the glass you could pull out the apparatus. It looks fairly complicated but its simple enough if you spend a few minutes playing with it. Just a though :) good luck.