Testing a "Perhapsitron"

Photographer Associated Press (founded 1846)

DateJanuary 20, 1958

Mediumgelatin silver print

Dimensions6 3/16 × 7 1/2 in. (15.8 × 19.1 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Nancy Tucker

Object numberPA2019.041.074

DescriptionScientists Dr. John Osher, left, and Dr. J.P. Mize prepare the “Perhapsitron” for a test run at the Atomic Energy Commission laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Osher attaches a wire to the machine and Mize watches for readings. They are both wearing white lab coats and the machine is on a table between them. A caption on the back of the photograph reads, "Scientists Dr. John Osher, left, and Dr. J.P. Mize prepare the “Perhapsitron” for a test run at the Atomic Energy Commission laboratory in Los Alamos. The laboratory is engaged in large scale research in the fusion of hydrogen atoms as a potential source of thermonuclear energy more productive than atomic fission. The Perhapsitron, whimsically named on the premise that perhaps the system would work, encloses a tube of deuterium, or heavy hydrogen gas, in a wrapping of copper wires. The wires create a heat-producing magnetic field when charged, compressing the gas and causing fusion."

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