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At 12 Years Old, Jackson Oswalt Built a Fusion Reactor in His Bedroom

Catwell

Jackson Oswalt and his fusion reactor that he built in his bedroom at 12 years old. (Image Credit: Guinness World Records)

Like something out of a sitcom or movie. Every kid dreams big, and some turn those dreams into reality. In 2018, 12-year-old Jackson Oswalt built a functional fusion reactor in his bedroom, an impressive feat that caught the attention of the FBI. With this accomplishment, Oswalt also secured a spot in the Guinness World Records.

Although Oswalt enjoyed video games, he wanted to achieve something greater. His nuclear fusion ambitions started after reading about how the teenager Taylor Wilson built a working fusion reactor at home. Oswalt's goal was to become the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion, and he learned how to do it by watching YouTube videos and online lectures and reading scientific forums.

He built the vacuum chamber and bought components from eBay to create the fusor that generates plasma. Oswalt fused two deuterium atoms on January 18th, 2018. The Fusor.net scientific community confirmed his accomplishment, making him the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion at home.


Oswalt was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion. (Image Credit: Guinness World Records)

This project caught the FBI's attention. They set foot at the Oswalt's residence with Geiger counters, ensuring radiation didn't leak. After inspecting the neighborhood, the FBI discovered no leaks, which also meant Oswalt wouldn't be detained for his efforts.

The Guinness World Records recognized Oswalt's success in 2020, setting his name in the books. Since then, he began working for Midjourney, an AI specialization research lab, and his role involves designing sophisticated hardware interfaces.

Although Oswalt's fusion reactor isn't energy-efficient yet, it still serves as a stepping stone to help fight climate change, demonstrating our ability to solve global issues. This project inspires people to come up with innovations that could change the world.

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Parents Comment
  • in reply to DAB

      From what I can find on the internet... it can be either.  According to one blog on Physics Stack Exchange, it can be both - depending if you are only looking at the fusing elements or how it all reacts to the environment its in.  I got a definite "It depends." out of what I read.  Thought provoking, none the less.

Children
  • in reply to kmikemoo

    If my research is correct, that cannot be the case.

    Fusion is the process by which stars build photons and atoms.

    That process turns kinetic energy into potential energy.

    There is no way that the Fusion process can both consume and release energy.

    No matter how much people want a "clean" energy generation process, Fusion is not that.

    If you want to harness nuclear energy, Fission is the only game in town.