A thermoelectric cloud chamber: I. Redesign and operation

Abstract

Abstract Developed by CTR Wilson, the cloud chamber was among the most important experimental apparatuses for observing nuclear phenomena in the first half of the twentieth century. Currently, cloud chambers are used as a didactic resource to teach radiation-matter interactions and other Nuclear Physics phenomena. This paper presents the construction of an electrically cooled cloud chamber. This device enables the observation of several nuclear physics phenomena in places where dry ice and liquid coolants are unavailable. The apparatus comprises a cooling unit based on thermoelectric modules and high-performance heat sinks. The first tracks are observable within 2 min after the instrument is turned on, and it can continue working for long periods, provided that alcohol is replaced. The device enabled the observation of numerous interactions between ionizing radiation and matter using natural and commercial radiation sources.