Binghamton University
Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
PHYSICS COLLOQUIUM
“Tabletop Nuclear Fusion Based on Pyroelectric Crystals”
Don Gillich
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Pyroelectric crystals were used to achieve D-D fusion through the ionization and acceleration of D2 gas molecules into a deuterated target. The primary focus of the research was to improve the mechanisms of ionization and the control of the thermal cycle of the crystals to enhance reproducibility of experimental results. A thermal management system was developed using two thermoelectric module controllers with a feedback loop and new heat sinks. A portable, prototype system was also tested and used to achieve reproducible neutron yields of 7.7 x 103 (± 1.1 x 103) neutrons per thermal cycle. The re-designed thermal management system provided the ability to reduce the thermal cycle time by a factor of 2 compared to previous experiments. In order to improve the D2 gas ionization, tungsten nanorods were deposited on the crystal surface and, with a single tip glued to the center of the nanorods, experiments produced 4 times more neutrons than using nanorods or a single tip alone. In addition to furthering the basic understanding of pyroelectric crystal-driven fusion processes, this work also provides information necessary to achieve reproducibility that may ultimately lead to the development of a portable, battery-operated neutron generator.
LTC Don Gillich received his B.S. in Mathematics from Florida Southern College in 1989; he also received a commission in the US Army through ROTC and entered active service. After several assignments, Don attended the Naval Postgraduate School where he received an M.S. degree in Physics. After teaching at the United States Military Academy for 3 years, Don was given the opportunity to return to academia via Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to earn a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering. Upon graduation, Don will return to the Department of Physics at West Point.
Monday, March 30, 2009
S2 Bldg. Room G39
PRESENTATION 2:30 PM– 3:30PM
ALL WELCOME – COFFEE AND REFRESHMENTS AT 2:20PM