High School Particle Accelerator
Donation protected
We are the Huntley High School Experimental Science Society, and we are currently expanding our facilities to include a linear electron accelerator. This accelerator will use a modular beam system, allowing us to conduct a whole range of experiments, from radiation research, to positron production, and everything in between.
The HHSESS is an open house, student founded, and student lead organization, which facilitates student's interests in a vast array of interests. Whether that project is designing structures to be used in Africa, or constructing an Algae Energy Generator, the HHSESS will work with the student to realize their vision. The student first presents their idea, designs the experiment, and then proceeds to lead a team in executing the plan. This leadership experience proves time and time again to be invaluable for any student.
This experience will be opened to many, many more students with the addition of this accelerator. However, the impact isn't limited to students at the high school!
"As project manager and designer, I can confidently state that we have a world class team: skilled, dedicated, and versitle. These are traits which none of us would have if it weren't for the dedication of countless individuals over the course of our lives." ~ Kyle Ockerlund
We wouldn't be making this accelerator without the community's support. That's why we believe in doing our part to educate the future generations. In order to realize this vision, we have attained an entire team of people dedicated to producing videos. Videos, which will showcase the cool things STEM skills allow you to do. These materials are to be used in Middle Schools, enriching the education process at a young age.
This is where we need your help. We're building the accelerator with as much thrift as possible, however, no matter how thin the budget may be, there is one item we will never cut: Safety. Between dosimeters, lead aprons, and proper shielding, over three fourths of our budget will invariably be spent on safety equipment. With your help, we will be able to safely realise our vision, and enrich the education process from a young age on up!
Some more specifics about the Accelerator:
Principle
In a sentence, the accelerator will function by utilizing a very large negative charge near our source, which when coupled with the positive charge near our target, creates a difference potential which we will utilize to accelerate our electrons to total of 1,500,000 eV.
Power
You can’t just plug a particle accelerator into the wall. Therefore, we’ll be utilizing pure static sources. We’ll be using custom made van de Graaff generators, coupled with a series of Leyden Jar style capacitors. This equipment will allow us to reach the voltages we need, in a safe and cost effective manner.
Source
We will be utilizing a Tungsten filament, generously donated by Kimball physics, for our source of electrons. When activated, electrons will be emitted at approximately 5 eV, just enough to enter our electric fields.
Vacuum
Our vacuum system has two parts: First, a two-stage mechanical pump removes 99.9% of the air from the pipe. For this, we will be using an Edwards vacuum pump, also kindly donated by Kimball Physics. Secondly, an oil diffusion pump removes the remaining 99.99999% of the remaining air. The quality of our oil diffusion pump will depend on our budget.
Location
Due to expansions on the School, a new courtyard has been created. We will be constructing the machine in this location. Not only is the area locked off from the general public, it is spacious enough that we may easily expand should the budget permit. The core machine is dismantlable, so that in the winter, we may move sensitive components indoors for storage.
Safety
Radiation: A machine of this size and caliber will cause radiation. There is no way around this. However, we are prepared beyond a doubt. Not only are all of our operators trained in radiation from the school curriculum, but we have an additional training program required for all student members. Our much more rigorous course includes all information required for us to be IEMA compliant, and then some.
We utilize A.L.A.R.A principles in operation, and design. First and foremost, our largest protection will be shielding. Over half the budget will inevitably be spent on lead shielding around the reaction chamber, the accelerator, and the areas around the courtyard. In addition to our own installed shielding, the courtyard itself provides excellent coverage. By definition, the school is required double as a storm shelter, which means heavy doors, and heavy brick. The machine will be operated largely from indoors, for the extra protection for our members.
In addition, for personnel who are not indoors during operation, lead aprons will be supplied. As if all of that isn’t enough, our operators will also be supplied with pocket ionization chambers, for the added peace of mind.
Electrical: A machine of this size and caliber will be utilizing a high amount of high voltage electricity. Therefore, not unlike our course for radiation, we will be training our personnel similarly for electricity. In addition to this, our entire machine has been designed to be O.S.H.A compliant for electrical construction, in accordance to 1926.400 subpart K. All of our machines will be accessible via our operators, in such a way, that we may safely discharge our capacitors from several feet away. This, when combined with radiation safety, culminates in a safe, efficient, and effective environment with which to operate.
The HHSESS is an open house, student founded, and student lead organization, which facilitates student's interests in a vast array of interests. Whether that project is designing structures to be used in Africa, or constructing an Algae Energy Generator, the HHSESS will work with the student to realize their vision. The student first presents their idea, designs the experiment, and then proceeds to lead a team in executing the plan. This leadership experience proves time and time again to be invaluable for any student.
This experience will be opened to many, many more students with the addition of this accelerator. However, the impact isn't limited to students at the high school!
"As project manager and designer, I can confidently state that we have a world class team: skilled, dedicated, and versitle. These are traits which none of us would have if it weren't for the dedication of countless individuals over the course of our lives." ~ Kyle Ockerlund
We wouldn't be making this accelerator without the community's support. That's why we believe in doing our part to educate the future generations. In order to realize this vision, we have attained an entire team of people dedicated to producing videos. Videos, which will showcase the cool things STEM skills allow you to do. These materials are to be used in Middle Schools, enriching the education process at a young age.
This is where we need your help. We're building the accelerator with as much thrift as possible, however, no matter how thin the budget may be, there is one item we will never cut: Safety. Between dosimeters, lead aprons, and proper shielding, over three fourths of our budget will invariably be spent on safety equipment. With your help, we will be able to safely realise our vision, and enrich the education process from a young age on up!
Some more specifics about the Accelerator:
Principle
In a sentence, the accelerator will function by utilizing a very large negative charge near our source, which when coupled with the positive charge near our target, creates a difference potential which we will utilize to accelerate our electrons to total of 1,500,000 eV.
Power
You can’t just plug a particle accelerator into the wall. Therefore, we’ll be utilizing pure static sources. We’ll be using custom made van de Graaff generators, coupled with a series of Leyden Jar style capacitors. This equipment will allow us to reach the voltages we need, in a safe and cost effective manner.
Source
We will be utilizing a Tungsten filament, generously donated by Kimball physics, for our source of electrons. When activated, electrons will be emitted at approximately 5 eV, just enough to enter our electric fields.
Vacuum
Our vacuum system has two parts: First, a two-stage mechanical pump removes 99.9% of the air from the pipe. For this, we will be using an Edwards vacuum pump, also kindly donated by Kimball Physics. Secondly, an oil diffusion pump removes the remaining 99.99999% of the remaining air. The quality of our oil diffusion pump will depend on our budget.
Location
Due to expansions on the School, a new courtyard has been created. We will be constructing the machine in this location. Not only is the area locked off from the general public, it is spacious enough that we may easily expand should the budget permit. The core machine is dismantlable, so that in the winter, we may move sensitive components indoors for storage.
Safety
Radiation: A machine of this size and caliber will cause radiation. There is no way around this. However, we are prepared beyond a doubt. Not only are all of our operators trained in radiation from the school curriculum, but we have an additional training program required for all student members. Our much more rigorous course includes all information required for us to be IEMA compliant, and then some.
We utilize A.L.A.R.A principles in operation, and design. First and foremost, our largest protection will be shielding. Over half the budget will inevitably be spent on lead shielding around the reaction chamber, the accelerator, and the areas around the courtyard. In addition to our own installed shielding, the courtyard itself provides excellent coverage. By definition, the school is required double as a storm shelter, which means heavy doors, and heavy brick. The machine will be operated largely from indoors, for the extra protection for our members.
In addition, for personnel who are not indoors during operation, lead aprons will be supplied. As if all of that isn’t enough, our operators will also be supplied with pocket ionization chambers, for the added peace of mind.
Electrical: A machine of this size and caliber will be utilizing a high amount of high voltage electricity. Therefore, not unlike our course for radiation, we will be training our personnel similarly for electricity. In addition to this, our entire machine has been designed to be O.S.H.A compliant for electrical construction, in accordance to 1926.400 subpart K. All of our machines will be accessible via our operators, in such a way, that we may safely discharge our capacitors from several feet away. This, when combined with radiation safety, culminates in a safe, efficient, and effective environment with which to operate.
Organizer
Kyle Ockerlund
Organizer
Huntley, IL
