A cloud chamber is a particle detector used for visualizing the passage of ionizing radiation. This specific design utilizes a multi-stage thermoelectric cooling system (Peltier tiles) to achieve the extreme sub-zero temperatures required to create a supersaturated environment of alcohol vapor.
Unlike traditional chambers that require dry ice, this air-cooled version uses high-efficiency heat sinks and fans to dissipate heat from the hot side of the Peltier elements. When a charged particle passes through the chamber, it ionizes the vapor, leaving behind a visible trail of droplets—effectively making the invisible visible. I created this DIY scientific instrument with majority found and scrapped parts. The only items purchased were the OLED display, Arduino Nano, DHT11 Thermometer, and HV transformer. Some unique features of my build include a thermometer (DHT11) and display (OLED) which inform the user of temperature in both Celsius and Fareinheight. There are also three indicator lights (red LED) When 1/3 is on, this signifies main power. 2/3 on is the HV field (36kv) also indicated by the tiny spark gap on the right ("purple light") When 3/3 is on, this signifies the temperature is 32F or lower (freezing). Two small tracks can be witnessed in one of the videos, the long one is most likely a Beta particle AKA an electron (Identified by it's stream-line and long apearance). Another interesting aspect of my build is variable temperature (it can be adjust with the nob in the middle). The top peltier plate (1/3) is adjustable by potentiometer, which is connected to a MOSFET, which changes the temp via PWM. Hitting these extreme temps of at most -50F was a challenge, in order to accomplish this three peltier plates differing in required amperage were stacked on top of one-another. This is also called a thermal cascade. The top most plate,(1/3) adjustable via PWM runs at 2A-6A (2A being the most optimal). The middle plate (2/3) runs at 6A, and the bottom plate at 15A. This enables extreme cold to be reached.