Richard Handl

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]

Richard Handl
Born	(1980-05-23) May 23, 1980 (age 45)
Known for	Nuclear experimentation at home

Background

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]

Legal repercussions

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]

See also

• David Hahn
• Taylor Wilson