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.
-- victor, Jul 05 2006

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]

I have a sturdy nail.

He's called Nigel.
-- po, Jul 05 2006


+ I'm trusting you on this because the *art* sounds really nice.
-- xandram, Jul 05 2006


Great idea the patterns are really fractal-like and interesting.

One question though - what's going to provide the particles - or do you just hang it up near the telly ?
-- monojohnny, Jul 05 2006


"We're only making plans, for Nigel"

XTC
-- normzone, Jul 05 2006


[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).
-- victor, Jul 05 2006


Just him?
That hardly seems fair.
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Jul 06 2006


+

Some hints on implementation:

The temperature gradient may be possible to create from layered Peltier devices.

A black velvet background and frontlighting (LEDs are good) would make for best viewing.

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.

At a higher pricepoint, a bubble chamber (see description in first reference) might be significantly easier to maintain.

Bravo!
-- csea, Jul 06 2006


Thanks for the ideas [csea]!

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.

I figure this could serve a similar role to a plasma lamp: Passive or active art.
-- victor, Jul 07 2006



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