Thermoelectric Cloud Chamber

Function: To build a chamber which I could use to “see” radiation

Inspiration: I wanted to be able to visualize radiation and other high energy particles. It has always been an interesting field to me and so I thought that it would be an fun project to pursue.

Methods: I spent several weeks doing research and determining the cheapest way that I could succeed. Many cloud chambers use either dry ice or LN2 as a coolant. Unfortunately it is not easy to get and it is also not easy to set up. I wanted something which I could use anytime at home. I decided on a TEC (thermoelectric) device cooled chamber, which could be plugged in at anytime to use it.

Outcome: I was successful. I built a chamber which could quickly (under 30 seconds) cool down to -28c and be used for about 10 minutes at a time. I have a ton of fun building it and as a plus I can use it to cool down food and objects very quickly.

Failures and challenges: I originally used a 1/16” thick steel plate as the top. It was so thin that it contracted enough to lift itself from the chips and negated the cooling for about half of them. I solved this by using a much thicker (1/4”) plate which negated the contraction and let me succeed.