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Sandia Labs Takes First Steps Toward Fusion

Posted by timothy on from the will-it-fit-in-a-95-escort-wagon dept.

robosmall writes "Sandia Labs has successfully demostrated the emission of neutrons (a side effect of thermonuclear fusion) from a BB-sized capsule of deuterium using using their venerable Z-Machine (eye-candy!). With this achievement they enter the race to create sustained fusion reactions."

1 of 273 comments (clear)

  1. Practical fusion at home! by Rorschach1 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Fusion research isn't just for the big guys - you can build a Farnsworth-Hirsch fusor at home! Seriously, these things are capable of fusing hydrogen when built properly. I think they're only like 1% efficient at generating power, but it looks like there's still some room for experimentation. You could probably put one together for a few hundred bucks if you're good at scavenging. The biggest danger really isn't from neutron emission, it's from working with vacuum equipment. I wouldn't want to be near a glass bell jar when it implodes. Still, it'd be worth it just to have a cool, glowing fusion reactor in the garage.