fusors

A fusor is a device designed to achieve nuclear fusion by using an electric field to accelerate ions into each other at high velocities. The most commonly known fusor is the inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device, which employs a configuration of electrodes to generate a plasma and accelerate ions towards a central point.

The typical fusor consists of a spherical or polyhedral vacuum chamber with at least two concentric wire grids or cathodes and an anode. The outer grid, usually negatively charged, ionizes a fill gas such as deuterium, creating a plasma. The ions are then accelerated by the electric potential towards the center, where some collide with sufficient energy to fuse. Fusors can produce neutrons when using deuterium gas due to fusion reactions like D-D or D-T. The neutrons are a hallmark of successful fusion activity in the device.

Fusors are primarily used for educational, research, and demonstration purposes, rather than power generation. They are relatively simple and inexpensive to build but face significant challenges in sustaining continuous fusion reactions or achieving net energy gain. Despite this, they serve as valuable tools for studying plasma physics and nuclear fusion processes.

The development of fusors dates back to the 1960s, with notable researchers including Philo Farnsworth. Since then, enthusiasts and scientists have refined the design, leading to various amateur and academic projects. While not a practical energy source, fusors continue to contribute to the understanding of fusion physics and inspire ongoing research into alternative fusion confinement methods.