Fusor Forums

I know that compared to some of the amazing builds I've seen here that mine is child's play. But the feeling I got the first time I hit star mode was amazing, and I just wanted to share. Still needs a few minor tweaks, but I'm really glad I decided to do this project, and wanted to say thank you to everyone in the forum that takes the time to help out noobs like me.

Nice work. Do you have voltage and current readings?

Looks great! A perfect example of the “bugle jet” formation. As you get deeper in vacuum the classic star with defined radials will begin to form. Be careful when you get to that point as intense electron beams begin to form which can quickly crack your glass chamber. If you move quickly they can be steered away with a strong magnet.

Mark Rowley.

Great images! that view is about where I was in fusor I in Nov 1997. Star mode and instrumentation would have to wait until fusor II in 1998. Star mode or single beam hitting the glass is a recipe for disaster in a common glass chamber. Watch out for local glass heating due to bombardment. Your last image shows that your vacuum is getting much better.

Richard Hull

Once again, thanks for the feedback everyone. I think I have identified the main source of the small leak, so I'm working on that now. My vacuum pump isn't the greatest, but I know it can get to ~35 micron, whereas my chamber was only about 75 at the time these photos were taken.

No instrumentation as of yet, but that will definitely be part of the next iteration. I would absolutely love to build a functional fusor at some point, but one step at a time I suppose.