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]
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]