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Cloud chambers are devices that can be used to observe the movements of alpha and beta particles as they pass through a supersaturated vapour. [please see links]
In a diffusion-type cloud chamber, the bottom of the chamber is cooled to produce a temperature gradient in which trails can be seen.
The
vapour condenses into droplets when disturbed and ionized by the passage of a radioactive particle. This produces a fascinating display. These devices can often be found at science centers.
I propose a poster-sized frame containing a vertical cloud chamber. This would make an incredible addition to any room and provide a perfect conversation piece.
Catering to the geek crowd, the piece should feature a smart brushed-metal finish and an LED backlight. An accompanying booklet would explain the basics of cloud chambers for the benefit of the less-than-casual observer.
Of course, the deluxe version also features shifting coloured LEDs with the option to add ambient sound.
The sound would be triggered by a particle detector and would thus match the display in a simliar way to a Winamp plugin.
Just picture a mini version of the 'tunnel of mystery' at the Chicago airport.
Remember to use a sturdy nail to hang your new frame.
Thank you for your feedback.
Radioactivity Detection
http://home.clara.n...l/nucrad/detect.htm
Description of a cloud chamber and other detectors [victor, Jul 05 2006]
Bubble Chamber
http://www.levitated.net/p5/chamber/
A rendered version of a bubble chamber [victor, Jul 05 2006]
Cloud Chamber
http://en.wikipedia.../wiki/Cloud_chamber
Information from Wikipedia [victor, Jul 05 2006]
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+ I'm trusting you on this because the *art* sounds really nice. |
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Great idea the patterns are really fractal-like and interesting. |
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One question though - what's going to provide the particles - or do you just hang it up near the telly ? |
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"We're only making plans, for Nigel" |
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[monojohnny] That's the best part - the particles are already there! In your home, your office, on the street. These things are constantly flying through the air (and you). |
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Just him?
That hardly seems fair. |
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Some hints on implementation: |
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The temperature gradient may be possible to create from layered Peltier devices. |
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A black velvet background and frontlighting (LEDs are good) would make for best viewing. |
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A pinful of Americium 241 as from a smoke detector (do not try this at home!) will help create interesting particles (alpha and gamma). And a fairly strong magnetic field will cause loops and coils in the particle paths. |
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At a higher pricepoint, a bubble chamber (see description in first reference) might be significantly easier to maintain. |
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Thanks for the ideas [csea]! |
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I like the idea of a strong magnet on some kind of sliding rail system behind the frame. This would give an element of interaction to the art. |
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I figure this could serve a similar role to a plasma lamp: Passive or active art. |
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