High-frequency light conversion to solar power in Farnsworth Fusor:
Challenges and Procedures
Abstract
The Farnsworth fusor is a device that achieves nuclear fusion through
electrostatic confinement of plasma in a vacuum chamber. This paper
documents the process of constructing a custom fusor and using it to
investigate harvesting energy from fusion reactions. A glass chamber
with was constructed to house the fusor’s wire cages and sustain vacuum.
A high voltage supply ionizes injected deuterium gas, creating fusion
reactions and plasma. To capture energy, solar cells with plastic
scintillators were arranged facing the fusor. The scintillators emit
light when struck by x-rays, concentrating energy onto the solar cells.
Data showed solar cells coupled to scintillators produced up to 333%
higher voltage than control cells, supporting that this method boosts
energy yield. However, limitations were found in maintaining vacuum and
high voltage operation. Solutions are proposed, including machined metal
vacuum components and a clock-controlled Cockcroft-Walton rectifier
circuit. Further research could optimize scintillator configurations to
focus x-rays onto solar cells using optics like the Kirkpatrick-Baez
configuation. This experiment provides valuable insights into
constructing and optimizing fusors. Key results support integrating
plastic scintillator and solar cell systems to maximize energy harvested
from fusion reactions.