What is a “Cloud Chamber”?
A cloud chamber is a scientific device used to visualize ionizing radiation in the form of muons, positrons, electrons, and several other cosmic particles. It makes an excellent demonstration to foster interest in particle astrophysics, or to visualize terrestrial radiation sources.
For a more thorough description of the device, see its Wikipedia entry. For a description of our device and its systems design, please refer to here or here for specific subsystems.
Project Motivation
Our primary motivations for starting this build was to engage both the members of the Penn State Society of Physics Students (SPS), and the Applied Physics Club (APC) in a long-term project and to provide a teaching tool for both SPS/APC and Physics Department outreach.
Status Updates: