Richard Handl | |
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Born | May 23, 1980 |
Known for | Nuclear experimentation at home |
Richard Handl (born May 23, 1980) is a Swedish man who experimented with tritium, americium, aluminium, beryllium, thorium, radium, and uranium, with the intention to create a nuclear reaction. He acquired most of the radioactive materials from foreign companies, while assembling a collection of periodic elements.[1] For six months in 2011, he allegedly attempted to build a breeder reactor in his apartment in Ängelholm, Sweden.[2][3]
Handl became unemployed after working in a factory for four years,[4][5] and decided to start a collection of the elements in the periodic table.[6] Out of curiosity Handl began experimenting with the elements in his collection, to see if he could create a nuclear reaction.[7] Handl's experiments included the acquisition of fissile material from outside the country,[8] a radiator suitable for transmutation, and instruments to measure the reaction, including a Geiger counter.[9] He spent about 5,000~6,000 kronor in materials and equipment.[10] One stage of the process involved cooking americium, radium, and beryllium in 96% sulfuric acid on a stove, in order to more easily mix the ingredients; doing so resulted in an explosion.[11]
Handl kept a blog called "Richard's Reactor" in which he documented the progress of the reactor.[10][12]
Handl was detained by the police on 22 July 2011,[citation needed] after having contacted the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) to inquire as to whether his project was legal or not.[13][14] His apartment was searched, and the radioactive materials as well as his computer were taken by the police.[7]
He was released,[15][16] then convicted in July 2014 on the violation of the Radiation Safety Act, and the violation of Swedish Environmental Code. He was fined 13,600 kronor.[17]