The present invention relates to an experimentation apparatus for measuring energy emission, particularly for measuring energy emission of electron fractionalisation and/or electron collision. The invention further relates to a method of measuring energy emission of electron fractionalisation and/or electron collision, an electricity generation apparatus, and a method of generating electricity.

There are various known ways of generating electricity to attempt to satisfy global electricity demands. Conventional electricity generators rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal or gas. Such generators emit large quantities of carbon dioxide and so are unsustainable in view of the global climate crisis. Renewable electricity generators such as solar or wind do not emit large quantities of carbon dioxide; however, their operation is dependent on variable environmental factors. As such, they can be unreliable and suffer from issues associated with a low capacity factor. Nuclear fission electricity generators offer reliable electricity generation and do not emit large quantities of carbon dioxide during operation; however, they produce hazardous waste products which pose long-term safe storage issues.

There is therefore a requirement to satisfy current and future global electricity demands with reliable and sustainable energy generation which emits little or no carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gases, or hazardous waste products.

Electromagnetic energy is released in electron fractionalisation and during the collision of high-velocity free electrons with bound electrons. These processes occur at low temperature.

Research on electron quantum states and cryogenics has previously been carried out and published by Brown University, Rhode Island, US, under the lead of Professor Humphrey Maris from 2014. Electron fractionalisation was reported on phys.org during 2020 based on research led by Gwnedal Five from Ecole normale superieure, Paris and the Laboratory for Photonics and Nanostructures, Marcoussis.

The ability to harness electromagnetic energy released in electron fractionalisation and during the collision of high- velocity free electrons with bound electrons could provide the solution to global energy demands. The present invention seeks to provide at least part of this solution.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an experimentation apparatus for measuring energy emission preferably from electron fractionalisation and/or electron collision, the apparatus comprising: a particle accelerator for accelerating free electrons; a chamber communicated with the particle accelerator, the chamber arranged to receive free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator; an evacuation means or vacuum pump communicated with the chamber for forming at least a partial vacuum in the chamber; a sealing means or valve communicated with the particle accelerator and the chamber, the sealing means for permitting the passage of free electrons into the chamber whilst isolating the chamber from the particle accelerator; a diamond element in the chamber positioned so as to receive and fractionalise free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator; a helium- 3 source communicated with the chamber for releasing helium-3 into the chamber so that free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons are collidable with bound electrons of the helium-3; a cooling means, cryogenic cooler, or cooling device, for cooling the chamber and/or the helium-3 source; an electromagnetic- energy absorber at, in or adjacent to the chamber for absorbing electromagnetic-energy emitted via the free electrons when fractionalised and/or electromagnetic-energy emitted via collision of the free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons and the bound electrons of the helium-3; and a measurement device for measuring energy absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber.

The particle accelerator permits for the electrons to be accelerated, for example to 99.8% the speed of light, and directed to the diamond element. Once the electrons are received by the diamond element, they are fractionalised which emits electromagnetic energy. The electrons also collide with bound electrons of the helium-3 atoms which have been released into the chamber. This process also emits electromagnetic energy, which may be caused by a free accelerated electron being captured or binding to a helium-3 atom. The electromagnetic energy emitted via both events is absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber and is then measured by the measurement device. The evacuation means permits fora vacuum to be created in the chamber, which helps to reduce the loss of velocity of the electrons. The cooling means can allow for the chamber to be cooled, for example to or below 3.17 K, which can allow or assist with the emission of electromagnetic energy via these mechanisms. The sealing means prevents the escape of helium-3 into the particle accelerator.

Since the experimentation apparatus provides the measurement of energy from electron fractionalisation and/or electron collision, it can assist with the process of realising the generation of electricity via these processes.

Preferably, the electromagnetic-energy absorber may comprise rhodium. Rhodium is a suitable material for maximising the absorption of the electromagnetic-energy and conversion to electricity.

Advantageously, the electromagnetic-energy absorber may comprise at least one tube inside the chamber which surrounds an axial extent of at least a portion of an electron travel path between the sealing means and the diamond element. Such a configuration maximises the amount of electromagnetic energy which can be absorbed via the absorber. The tubes may otherwise be referred to as tanks. The tubes are preferably thin.

Beneficially, the electromagnetic-energy absorber may comprise an inner tube which surrounds an axial extent of at least a portion of the electron travel path between the sealing means and the diamond element, and an outer tube which surrounds an axial extent of at least a portion of the inner tube. A double layer of tubes can assist with maximising the absorbed electromagnetic energy, since, for example, the outer tube may absorb electromagnetic energy which transmits through the inner tube. Additionally, such a configuration may permit storage of fluid, such as helium-3, between the inner and outer tubes, isolated from a volume defined within the inner tube.

Additionally, the electromagnetic-energy absorber may further comprise an intermediate tube between the inner and the outer tube. A further tube can further assist with the absorption of electromagnetic energy.

In a preferable embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an isolation means for isolating a first volume defined inside the inner tube from a second volume defined between the inner tube and the outer tube. Such an isolation means may comprise a valve which is openable and closeable to fluidly communicate the first and second volumes. This may permit for the selective introduction into the first volume of helium-3 stored in the second volume.

Preferably, the or each tube may have a hexagonal or substantially hexagonal cross-section. A hexagonal shape can provide structural stiffness and may assist with refraction or deflection of electrons in the chamber.

Advantageously, the chamber and/or said at least one tube tapers towards the sealing means to the diamond. The taper in the chamber provides more space at the diamond element. The narrower end towards the sealing means leaves enough room for dispersed electrons to move back towards the diamond element.

Beneficially, the electromagnetic-energy absorber may be electrically communicated with the measurement device. As such, the measurement device can measure the energy absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber and converted into electrical energy.

Additionally, the apparatus may further comprise a stirring device in the chamber for agitating electrons. The stirring device may assist with maintaining the velocity of the electrons and may assist with redirecting the electrons back towards the diamond element.

Preferably, the stirring device is configured to be supported in the chamber via the Meissner effect. As such, the stirring device may levitate in the chamber. This may reduce supporting components required to be in the chamber which would otherwise obstruct electron motion and/or absorb emitted electromagnetic energy.

Additionally, the apparatus may further comprise magnetic field generation means external to the chamber for rotating the stirring device.

Advantageously, the diamond element may comprise an array of diamonds.

Beneficially, the sealing means may comprise three valves. Three consecutive or serially arranged valves reduces any leakage.

Optionally, the cooling means may comprise a coil of tubing which surrounds the chamber, the coil of tubing for receiving a cryogenic fluid.

Preferably, the chamber may be elongate. The length of the chamber assists acceleration of the electrons, while the smaller width assists with fast refraction or deflection of electrons and restricts wide scattering and loss of kinetic energy of the free electrons.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of measuring the energy emission of electron fractionalisation and/or electron collision, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; b) evacuating the chamber via the evacuation means to form at least a partial vacuum in the chamber; c) cooling the chamber via the cooling means; d) accelerating electrons with the particle accelerator and opening the sealing means so that electrons enterthe chamber; e) closing the sealing means; f) the electrons being received and fractionalised by the electron fractionalisation element and thereby emitting electromagnetic energy; g) releasing helium-3 into the chamber so that free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons collide with bound electrons of the helium-3 thereby emitting electromagnetic energy; h) absorbing the electromagnetic energy via the electromagnetic-energy absorber; i) measuring the energy absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber via the measurement device.

Preferably, the electrons may be accelerated by the particle accelerator to at least 99.8% of the speed of light.

Advantageously, the chamber may be cooled to a temperature of less than 3.2 K. More preferably, the temperature is less than 3.17 K.

Additionally, the method may further comprise the step of accelerating further electrons with the particle accelerator and re-opening the sealing means to permit entry of the further electrons into the chamber. In the event that the velocity or momentum of the accelerated electrons is reduced, further electrons can be introduced to maintain the emission of electromagnetic energy.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an electricity generation apparatus for generating electricity via electron fractionalisation and electron collision, the apparatus comprising: a particle accelerator for accelerating free electrons; a chamber communicated with the particle accelerator, the chamber arranged to receive free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator; an evacuation means or vacuum pump communicated with the chamber for forming at least a partial vacuum in the chamber; a sealing means or valve communicated with the particle accelerator and the chamber, the sealing means for permitting the passage of free electrons into the chamber whilst isolating the chamber from the particle accelerator; a diamond element in the chamber positioned so as to receive and fractionalise free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator; a helium-3 source communicated with the chamber for releasing helium-3 into the chamber so that free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons are collidable with bound electrons of the helium-3; a cooling means, cryogenic cooler, or cooling device, for cooling the chamber and/or the helium-3 source; an electromagnetic-energy absorber at, in or adjacent to the chamber for absorbing electromagnetic-energy emitted via the free electrons when fractionalised and/or electromagnetic-energy emitted via collision of the free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons and the bound electrons of the helium-3; and an electrical connection with the electromagnetic- energy absorber for harnessing the absorbed electromagnetic energy as electrical energy.

Preferable and optional features of the first aspect of the invention can be considered for the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating electricity, the method comprising the steps of: providing the apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, evacuating the chamber via the evacuation means to form at least a partial vacuum in the chamber; cooling the chamber via the cooling means; accelerating electrons with the particle accelerator and opening the sealing means so that electrons enter the chamber; closing the sealing means; the electrons being received and fractionalised by the electron fractionalisation element and thereby emitting electromagnetic energy; releasing helium-3 into the chamber so that free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons collide with bound electrons of the helium-3 thereby emitting electromagnetic energy; absorbing the electromagnetic energy via the electromagnetic- energy absorber; and harnessing the energy absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber via the electrical connection as electrical energy.

Preferable and optional features of the second aspect of the invention can be considered for the fourth aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a experimentation apparatus for measuring energy emission, the apparatus comprising: a particle accelerator for accelerating free electrons; a chamber communicated with the particle accelerator, the chamber arranged to receive free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator; an evacuation means or vacuum pump communicated with the chamber for forming at least a partial vacuum in the chamber; a sealing means or valve communicated with the particle accelerator and the chamber, the sealing means for permitting the passage of free electrons into the chamber whilst isolating the chamber from the particle accelerator; an electron fractionalisation element in the chamber positioned so as to receive and fractionalise free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator; a particle source communicated with the chamber for releasing particles into the chamber so that free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons are collidable with bound electrons of said particles; a cooling means, cryogenic cooler, or cooling device, for cooling the chamber and/or the particle source; an electromagnetic-energy absorber at, in or adjacent to the chamber for absorbing electromagnetic-energy emitted via the free electrons when fractionalised and/or electromagnetic-energy emitted via collision of the free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons and the bound electrons of the particles; and a measurement device for measuring energy absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an electricity generation apparatus for generating electricity via electron fractionalisation and electron collision, the apparatus comprising: a particle accelerator for accelerating free electrons; a chamber communicated with the particle accelerator, the chamber arranged to receive free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator; an evacuation means or vacuum pump communicated with the chamber for forming at least a partial vacuum in the chamber; a sealing means or valve communicated with the particle accelerator and the chamber, the sealing means for permitting the passage of free electrons into the chamber whilst isolating the chamber from the particle accelerator; an electron fractionalisation element in the chamber positioned so as to receive and fractionalise free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator; a particle source communicated with the chamber for releasing particles into the chamber so that free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons are collidable with bound electrons of the particles; a cooling means, cryogenic cooler, or cooling device, for cooling the chamber and/or the particle source; an electromagnetic-energy absorber at, in or adjacent to the chamber for absorbing electromagnetic-energy emitted via the free electrons when fractionalised and/or electromagnetic-energy emitted via collision of the free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator and/or fractions of electrons and the bound electrons of the particles; and an electrical connection with the electromagnetic-energy absorber for harnessing the absorbed electromagnetic energy as electrical energy. The invention will now be more particularly described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with first, third, fifth and sixth aspects of the invention;

Figure 2 is a cut-away side view of a chamber of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective cut-away view of the chamber of Figure 2;

Figure 4a is a cut-away side view of a sealing means of the apparatus of Figure 1 in an open condition; Figure 4b shows the sealing means of Figure 4a in a closed condition;

Figure 5 is a perspective cut-away view of a diamond element of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a cut-away view of an end of the chamber of Figure 2 distal to a particle accelerator;

Figure 7 shows an isolation means for isolating a first volume from a second volume in the chamber of

Figure 2;

Figure 8a shows the isolation means of Figure 7 in a closed condition;

Figure 8b shows the isolation means of Figure 7 in an open condition; and

Figure 9 is a cutaway perspective view of the chamber of Figure 2, indicating an arrangement of tube elements therein.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 , there is shown an experimentation apparatus and/or electricity generation apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a particle-accelerator connection 12 for connecting with a particle accelerator, and a chamber 14 which may be referred to as a collision chamber. The apparatus 10 further comprises a chamber cooling means 16 and an electrical connection 18.

The particle-accelerator connection 12 comprises a vacuum flange 20, such as a ConFlat (RTM) flange for connecting with the accelerator, and tubing 22 which connects to the vacuum flange 20. The vacuum flange 20 is preferably rotatable and 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) in diameter. The tubing 22 may comprise stainless steel such as stainless steel 316, although other materials and grades may be considered. The tubing 22 is supported by mounting blocks 24. There may be further flanges 26 along the length of the tubing 22.

A particle-accelerator-connection cooling means 28 is preferably provided for the tubing 22 at or adjacent to an end of the particle-accelerator connection 12 which is proximal to the collision chamber 14. However, it will be appreciated that this may be omitted or may be provided along the majority or entire length of the particle-accelerator connection if so required. The particle-accelerator-connection cooling means 28 is preferably similar or identical to the cooling means 16 for the collision chamber 14, which will be further described below, and may be operated at a similar or identical time.

The particle accelerator which connects to the particle-accelerator connection 12 is not shown. The particle accelerator should be configured to accelerate electrons along the tubing 22 and into the collision chamber 14 at over 99%, more preferably over 99.5%, and most preferably over 99.8% of the speed of light. The particle accelerator is preferably a 9 MeV Linear Accelerator (LINAC), although other types or power ratings of accelerators may be considered. Such a particle accelerator may be referred to as a guide, and suitable accelerators may be obtained from AcceleRAD Technologies Inc, 609 Harbor Blvd. Belmont, CA 94002, USA. A klystron is preferably also used for providing the drive power for the accelerator and/or providing electromagnetic energy into the accelerator for accelerating electrons.

The apparatus 10 further comprises a support 30 for the collision chamber 14, including a base 30a, brackets 30b for holding the collision chamber 14, and an upper portion 30c. There are preferably four brackets 30b, although other numbers of brackets may be considered, each defining a substantially circular aperture for receiving a reinforcement collar 32 of the collision chamber 14 therein. The upper portion 30c preferably provides reinforcement for the support 30.

The chamber cooling means 16 preferably comprises tubing which is at or adjacent to an external surface of the collision chamber 14. The tubing preferably coils around the chamber 14 and here there are three separate coils around the collision chamber 14. The tubing is for receiving a cryogenic cooling fluid, which may for example be liquid helium, such as Helium-3 or Helium-4, although other cooling fluids may be considered. The cooling means 16 preferably cools the chamber 14 to less than 3.2 K, and more particularly less than 3.17 K. However, higher temperatures may be considered if required, for example less than 80 K.

Referring nowto Figure 2, the chamber 14 is preferably defined by an exterior body or cladding, which here comprises an upper and a lower part 14a, 14b. The chamber 14 has a circular or substantially circular cross-section and preferably tapers towards the end thereof proximal to the particle-accelerator connection 12. The chamber 14 further includes a distal end part 34 which closes the end of the chamber 14 distal to the particle accelerator. The distal end part 34 may be a base plate, which is preferably rhodium, although other materials may be considered.

The apparatus 10 further comprises a sealing means 36 which connects the particle-accelerator connection 12 and the chamber 14. The sealing means 36 thus closes the end of the chamber 14 proximal to the particle-accelerator connection 12. The sealing means 36 will be better understood hereinbelow.

An electron fractionalisation element 38 is preferably at, adjacent to, or mounted to the distal end part 34 of the chamber 14. The electron fractionalisation element 38 is positioned so as to receive and fractionalise free electrons accelerated by the particle accelerator, and therefore here is on a straight line or path from the sealing means 36 and particle accelerator, although other arrangements may be considered. The electron fractionalisation element 38 is most preferably a diamond element comprising at least one diamond, although it will be appreciated that other electron fractionalisation materials may be used. The diamond element 38 will be better understood hereinbelow.

The apparatus 10 further comprises an electromagnetic-energy absorber 40 at, in or adjacent to the chamber 14. Here the absorber 40 comprises three concentric tubes, tanks, walls or conduits which extend between the electron fractionalisation element 38 and the sealing means 36. The tubes preferably comprise rhodium since this is preferred for absorbing the electromagnetic energy and converting it to electrical energy. However, other materials may be considered such as other transition metals, noble metals or platinum-group metals if these prove capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy and converting it to electrical energy. Although described as tubes, the tubes have a hexagonal cross-section, although other shapes may be considered, such as a circular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a pentagonal cross-section, or an octagonal cross-section. Each tube tapers in a similar or identical way to the chamber 14 as a whole. Whilst described as being concentric, the tubes may in feet not be concentric.

An inner volume 42a defined by an innermost tube 40a is preferably sealable relative to volumes defined by an intermediate tube 40b and an outer tube 40c. Such a sealing arrangement will be better understood hereinbelow. An intermediate volume 42b, or inner jacket, defined between the inner tube 40a and the intermediate tube 40b, and an outer volume 42c, or outer jacket, defined between the intermediate tube 40b and the outer tube 40c, are preferably communicated with each other via holes in the intermediate tube 40b. The holes may have diameters of 3 mm. The inner tube 40a and the intermediate tube 40b preferably have a separation of 4 mm or substantially 4 mm, and the intermediate tube 40b and the outer tube 40c preferably have a separation of 8 mm. As such, the outer volume 42c may be twice or substantially twice the thickness of the intermediate volume 42b. The outer tube 40c is preferably at or adjacent to the chamberwall, and as such the interior chamber wall may have a corresponding hexagonal cross- section.

The apparatus 10 preferably further comprises a stirring device 44 in the chamber 14 for agitating and/or recirculating electrons. The stirring device 44 is configured to be supported or levitated in the chamber 14 via the Meissner effect. As such, the stirring device 44 may comprise material which exhibits superconductive properties at the conditions of the apparatus 10 in operation. For example, a material which exhibits superconductive properties at 3.17K and at a partial vacuum. An iron-based material therefore may be considered, such as steel. However, if the apparatus 10 is configured to operate at higher temperatures, then high-temperature superconductive materials may need to be considered. T o permit the levitation of the stirring device 44, there is a preferably a magnetic field generation means external to the chamber 14. For example, a powerful magnetic element, such as an electro-magnet, at or adjacent to the chamber 14.

The stirring device 44 is preferably hollow or tubular so that electrons can pass therethrough from the particle accelerator to the diamond element 38. The stirring device 44 preferably has helical grooving thereon and/or tapers in a similar or identical way as the chamber 14. The stirring device 44 is received in a portion of the chamber 14 closer to the sealing means 36 than to the diamond element 38. There may be a plurality of apertures in the stirring device 44. Referring now to Figure 3, a central section of the chamber 14 is shown. The apparatus 10 further comprises an evacuation means or vacuum pump. The evacuation means is not shown, although an evacuation-means connection 46 with the evacuation means can be seen in Figure 3. An evacuation-means-connection valve permits for selective evacuation of the chamber 14. The evacuation-means connection 46 is preferably communicated with at least an outer and/or intermediate volume 42c, 42b of the chamber 14.

The apparatus 10 further comprises an atom, particle, or bound electron source communicated with the chamber 14. Preferably the source is a helium-3 source, although other sources of bound electrons may be considered. The helium-3 of the helium-3 source is preferably kept as a liquid, and therefore may be at 3.19 K or below. The helium- 3 source is communicated with the chamber 14 at a helium-3-source connection 48, which includes a valve for selective helium-3 provision. The helium-3-source connection 48 is preferably communicated with an outer and/or intermediate volume 42c, 42b of the chamber 14.

An isolation means 50 for selectively isolating the inner volume 42a from the intermediate volume 42b and the outer volume 42c is shown in Figure 3, and will be further described below.

Referring now to Figure 4a, there is shown the sealing means 36 in greater detail. The sealing means 36 is preferably communicated with the inner volume 42a of the chamber only. The sealing means 36 comprises three separate valves 52. Each valve 52 comprises a valve element 54 which is mounted between two spacer blocks 56. The spacer blocks 56 have a cut-out, to accommodate the valve element 54 and its movement, and define a conduit 58 therethrough. Each valve element 54 comprises a body having an aperture 60 therein which is alignable with the conduit 58 defined by the spacer blocks 56. Each valve element 54 further comprises a solid or sealing portion 62. When the aperture 60 of one of the valve elements 54 is aligned with the conduit 58 of the spacer blocks 56, as shown in Figure 4a, the associated valve 52 is in an open condition. When the solid or sealing portion 62 of one of the valve elements 54 is aligned with the conduit 58 of the spacer blocks 56, the valve 52 is in a closed portion, as shown in Figure 4b.

The valve elements 54 are preferably mechanically linked so as to move together, and here this is achieved via a connecting plate 64. A central valve element 54 is connected with a connecting rod 66 to permit actuation of all three valves 52 between the open and closed conditions. The connecting rod 66 may be movable by pneumatic or hydraulic means. However, it will be appreciated that the three valve elements 54 may be configured to operate separately if so required.

Referring now to Figure 5, the diamond element 38 is shown in greater detail. The diamond element 38 comprises an array of diamonds having a central major diamond 68a and a plurality of minor diamonds 68b arranged around the major diamond 68a. There may, for example, be more than 50 minor diamonds. The or each diamond may be a prism.

Figure 5 also shows the arrangement of one of the reinforcement collars 32 for the chamber 14. Each reinforcement collar 32 comprises two separate parts 32a, 32b mounted around the chamber 14. The two parts 32a, 32b are interconnected via fasteners or bolts which extend through holes 70 in brackets or flanges which extend away from the circular or curved portion of the collar 32.

Referring now to Figure 6, the electrical connection 18 or power output, of the apparatus 10 is shown. This may be connectable to the grid, in the instance that the device is used for electricity generation. The apparatus 10 further includes an earthing output 72 or grounding output, which may be connectable to the earth or ground. An electrical control device 74 or control box is also shown, and this may monitor or measure the amount of energy absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber 40 via an electrical connection. The control device 74 may also control the operation of the various valves of the apparatus 10. A rhodium block 76 is positioned between the distal end part 34 and the control device 74. The rhodium block 76 and/or distal end part 34 may act to absorb energy emitted in their direction.

Referring now to Figure 7, an isolation means 50 for isolating the intermediate volume 42b and the outer volume 42c, or inner and outer jackets, from the inner volume 42a is shown. The isolation means 50 preferably comprises a hole 50a or aperture in the inner tube 40a which is selectably occludable by a closing means or plug 50b. The hole 50a is here defined by a radial conduit in a mid-collar 78. The mid-collar 78 joins upstream and downstream parts, and upper and lower parts, of the tubes 40a, 40b, 40c as will be better understood hereinbelow. The mid-collar 78 also includes axial conduits to communicate upstream and downstream portions of the intermediate and outer volume 42b, 42c. The plug 50b and/or hole 50a may be tapered to ensure a close fit therebetween.

In Figure 8a the plug 50b is actuated to close the hole 50a in the inner tube 40a which isolates the inner volume 42a from the intermediate volume 42b and the outer volume 42c. In Figure 8b, the plug 50b is actuated to expose or open the hole 50a in the inner tube 40a which communicates the inner volume 42a with the intermediate volume 42b and the outer volume 42c. As previously discussed, the intermediate volume 42b and the outer volume 42c are communicated via holes in the intermediate tube 40b. The plug 50b may be actuated by a connecting rod 66a moveable via hydraulic or pneumatic means.

Referring now to Figure 9, the mid-collar 78 is shown holding the different parts of the tubes. Each tube is preferably formed from four parts. These parts are an upstream upper part 80a, an upstream lower part 80b, a downstream upper part 80c and a downstream lower part 80d. The upstream parts 80a, 80b are at or adjacent to the particle accelerator connection, and the downstream parts 80c, 80d are at or adjacent to the electron fractionalisation element 38. The parts 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d are joined together and held by the mid-collar 78. For example, the mid-collar 78 may include slots for receiving each part. The parts may include teeth to permit secure fastening with the mid-collar 78. The teeth may be backward facing barbs to prevent or limit removal of the parts from the mid-collar 78. An opposing end of each of the downstream parts 80c, 80d may be held by the distal end part 34. An opposing end of the upstream parts 80c, 80d may be held by a corresponding collar at or adjacent to the sealing means 36.

The mid-collar 78 preferably comprises titanium, although it will be appreciated that other metals or materials may be considered. The mid-collar 78 may assist with reinforcing the chamber 14. Whilst upper and lower parts of each tube are described, providing a two-part upstream and downstream portion of each tube, it will be appreciated that these may in fact not be necessary, and unitary upstream and downstream portions may be considered. Additionally, the separate upstream and downstream parts of the tube may be omitted, with tubes being provided which extend the length of the chamber.

In use, the evacuation means or vacuum pump evacuates the chamber 14. When evacuating the chamber 14 the sealing means 36 may be closed or open since the particle accelerator connection and particle accelerator are preferably also under vacuum. The sealing means 36 may be open if the particle accelerator connection and particle accelerator do not have corresponding evacuation means, and therefore the evacuation means of the chamber 14 may be used to evacuate the particle accelerator connection and particle accelerator.

When evacuating the chamber 14, the evacuation-means-connection valve is opened to permit evacuation of the outer and intermediate volumes 42c, 42b, or the outer and inner jackets. The isolation means 50 is preferably also opened so that the inner volume 42a is also evacuated. Once the necessary vacuum is obtained, which may for example be less than 10 ⁵ mbar or 0.001 Pa although other vacuum levels may be considered, the evacuation- means-connection valve is then closed to maintain the vacuum.

The isolation means 50 valve is then closed to isolate the outer and intermediate volumes 42c, 42b from the inner volume 42a.

The chamber 14 may be cooled via the cooling means 16 preferably simultaneously with the evacuation, although this may be before or after the formation of a vacuum. The internal volume of the chamber 14 is preferably cooled to 3.17 K

The helium-3 source valve is then opened to release helium-3 into the outer and intermediate volumes 42c, 42b. The helium-3 is preferably a gas when in the outer and intermediate volumes 42c, 42b, and may be atomised upon release to the outer and intermediate volumes 42c, 42b, due to the vacuum. The helium-3 source valve is then closed once the necessary helium-3 is in the outer and intermediate volumes 42c, 42b. Preferably, 4 litres of helium-3 (~260 gm) in liquid state is provided into the outer and intermediate volumes 42c, 42b. This amount of helium-3 is suitable for the chamber 14, which may have a volume of around 0.04 m ³ , or 40 litres, based on a length of approximately 1 m and a radius of approximately 0.02 m at an end of the chamber 14 proximal to the particle-accelerator connection 12, and a radius of approximately 0.05 m at an end of the chamber 14 proximal to the distal end part 34. Other dimensions for the chamber may be considered. For larger or smaller chambers, the amount of helium may be scaled appropriately.

The electron stirring device 44 may be actuated to rotate, for example by applying a relevant magnetic field.

The sealing means 36 is then opened, if it is not already open. Electrons or other particles are accelerated in the particle accelerator to 99.8% the speed of light. The accelerated electrons are then released and directed through the particle accelerator connection and into the inner volume 42a of the chamber 14 via the sealing means 36. The sealing means 36 is then closed.

The electrons are preferably unfiltered or undispersed before entering the chamber, and therefore the apparatus preferably does not have an electron filtering or dispersion device between the particle accelerator and the chamber.

Once the sealing means 36 is closed, the isolation means 50 valve is opened to release helium-3 from the outer and intermediate volumes 42c, 42b and into the inner volume 42a.

At least some of the accelerated electrons are fractionalised by the major diamond and diamond array upon reaching the diamonds. Such fractionalisation results in the release of electromagnetic energy. The electron fractionalisation may be the momentary changing of state of the wavelength of the electron. Fractionalised electrons may be unstable and therefore may recombine resulting in no net change in the number of free electrons. The electrons may also or alternatively be reflected, diffracted or refracted by the or each diamond and/or an appropriately positioned reflective material.

At least some of the accelerated electrons collide with the bound or attached electrons of the helium-3 atoms. This collision results in further release of electromagnetic energy. Such a release in energy may, for example, be caused by binding the free accelerated electron to the helium-3 atom. The previously bound electron may be ejected or excited from the helium-3 atom by the collision resulting in no net change in the number of free electrons.

The electromagnetic energy which is released by the electron fractionalisation and via the collision between the accelerated electrons and the helium-3 electrons is absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber 40. In other words, the electro-magnetic energy is absorbed by the rhodium tubes 40a, 40b, 40c, and may also be absorbed by the distal end part 34, which comprises rhodium, and the rhodium block 76. This may create an electrical charge in the rhodium components which can be measured by the electrical control device 74, which is in electrical connection with the rhodium tubes. As such, the amount of energy emitted by the fractionalisation and the collision can be measured. Such measurements may be useful for determining or calculating a possible electrical energy supply capacity via such a process.

The electrical energy may be transferred to capacitors and transformers aligned with the apparatus 10 or chamber 14 via the electrical connection 18 which can produce the electricity required for users. Such electrical transfer is via the electrical connection 18. Surplus electricity may be directed to the earth via the earthing connection 72.

The electrons may continue to collide and fractionalise. As such, electromagnetic energy may continue to be emitted by the action of the electrons in the chamber 14. The vacuum in the chamber 14 permits for the maintenance of the velocity of the electrons, which assists with maintaining continuing electromagnetic energy emission. The rotation of the electron stirring device 44 agitates and recirculates the electrons which may also assist with maintaining the velocity of the electrons. In the event of the velocity of the electrons falling such that electromagnetic energy is no longer released, further accelerated electrons may be introduced into the chamber 14 to continue with the energy emission. To introduce further electrons, it may be desirable to first evacuate the chamber 14 via the evacuation means.

Preferably, the energy release may be considered to be a form of fusion energy which occurs at low temperature and where there is no consumption of the elements employed as the elements undergo no permanent change.

Although rhodium is described as the material for the electromagnetic-energy absorber, it will be appreciated that other materials may be considered. For example, the electromagnetic-energy absorber may be a semiconductor, such as silicon, and may be configured to absorb the electromagnetic-energy and produce an electrical current and/or charge in the same orsimilarway as a photovoltaic.

It will be appreciated that electron fractionalisation aspect may be omitted in some instances, with the apparatus relying on electron collision to emit energy. In this instance the diamond element or similar may only reflect, refract or diffract the electrons.

It is therefore possible to provide an apparatus for the measurement of electro-magnetic energy emitted in electron fractionalisation and electron collision. A particle accelerator accelerates electrons into a chamber and into a diamond which results in electron fractionalisation and thus electro-magnetic energy emission. The accelerated electrons also collide with electrons of helium-3 atoms which results in further electro-magnetic energy emission. A cooling means allows for the process to occur at low temperature, and an evacuator permits for the process to occur in a vacuum. The electromagnetic energy is absorbed by the electromagnetic-energy absorber and an electricity supply is created which can be measured. The electricity supply may be harnessed to provide an electrical energy source.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.