Building a Cyclotron: Learn, Ask and Find Equipment

In summary, the conversation is about building a cyclotron as a learning experience, with the person asking for opinions on materials and equipment needed. They are aiming for a 1-2 MeV cyclotron and plan to use it for basic particle collisions and other experiments. They also ask for recommendations on where to purchase equipment. The thread is then closed due to the topic being against the website's rules and guidelines.
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tachyon_man
50
0
Hello everyone,
I'm very interested in building a cyclotron as a learning experience over the next year or so and have been doing some reading on what's required. I figure it would be helpful to ask everyone's opinion on materials such as electromagnets, beam detectors, vacuum cambers, etc. I'm not looking to have a super heavy duty cyclotron but I figure 1-2 MeV is manageable. I'm looking to run some basic particle collisions and some other fun stuff. Any feedback/advise is greatly appreciated! Also, what is a good science surplus site for purchasing some equipment?
 
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Closed pending moderation.

EDIT: the thread will remain closed. Please refer to the Site Info > Rules and Guidelines link at the top of the page. It is against our policy to provide "how to" advice on illegal or dangerous activities. Cyclotrons are illegal unless you obtain the proper permits from the government precisely because they are also dangerous.
 
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1. What is a cyclotron and how does it work?

A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator used in nuclear physics research. It works by using electric and magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles in a circular path. The particles are repeatedly accelerated and gain energy as they travel around the circular path until they reach the desired energy level.

2. What equipment is needed to build a cyclotron?

Building a cyclotron requires a variety of equipment, including a vacuum chamber, a particle source, an ion source, a set of electromagnets, a radiofrequency cavity, and a power supply. Other necessary components may include diagnostic tools, such as detectors and monitors, and safety equipment.

3. What are the benefits of building a cyclotron?

Building a cyclotron allows for the production of high-energy particles for use in various research applications, such as nuclear physics, medical imaging, and materials science. It also provides scientists with a controlled environment to study and manipulate particles, leading to a better understanding of the fundamental laws of physics.

4. What are some challenges that may arise when building a cyclotron?

One of the main challenges in building a cyclotron is ensuring the precision and stability of the magnetic and electric fields used to accelerate the particles. This requires careful design and calibration of the equipment. Additionally, safety is a major concern, as the high-energy particles produced by the cyclotron can be hazardous. Proper safety protocols and equipment must be in place to protect both the researchers and the surrounding environment.

5. Can a cyclotron be built by individuals or is it only feasible for large research institutions?

While building a cyclotron requires specialized knowledge and equipment, it is possible for individuals or small teams to build one. However, due to the high cost and complexity of the equipment, it is more commonly built and used by large research institutions or universities. Collaboration and funding from multiple sources may also be necessary for a successful cyclotron project.

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