Using the Triboluminescent Quality of Clear Tape to Produce X-Rays for Developing Countries Abstract/Background Devastating disasters in poorly developed communities, cities, and even countries can strip it of electricity, limiting the care available by first responders. Since its discovery, X-rays were considered to be luxury diagnostic tools, but its ability to detect certain diseases, like pneumonia, and to provide security would also benefit those without electricity. With the recent discovery of clear tape being able to produce X-rays under vacuum, there is now a possibility to mass produce affordable, electricity free X-ray machines, however it has not been made yet. The hope of this project is to plant the first step into creating said devices. Question How does one create an effective X-ray machine without electricity while maintaining a low price? Hypothesis Making a container and peeling tape is not a feat, but the challenge is in making a vacuum strong enough to produce the X-rays (8 millitorr). While a manual pump was tested, it was expected that a sufficient vacuum could only be produced from an electric pump. Materials -Small Frying Pan w/o Handle -Plexiglas (Screen) -Regular Scotch Tape -Check Valve -Kodak BioMax XAR Film -Modified Bike Pump (for manual vacuum) -Electric Vacuum Pump -Plastic Bag -Sealant -Screw -Screw Driver Background Research First discovered by Soviet scientists in 1953, then confirmed by two MIT researchers in 2008, it was discovered that clear tape, when peeled in a vacuum, can produce X-rays. Though it is not known why it does so, a popular theory is that it is due to the electrons jumping from the adhesive side to the smooth side, and that the halt to the smooth side releases the energy; it also said that a vacuum was needed to remove any air particles interfering with the movement of the electron. A company has recently started up based on this discovery, Tribogenics, but they focus on applying it to portable security X-rays for facilities such as airports. Procedure Results Money (Estimates) Modified Bike Pump: $20 Pan: $3 Plastic Bag: $0.25 Clear Tape: $1.00 Plexiglass: $7.00 Screw and Screwdriver: $10.00 Total Price: $41.25 Price for X-Ray Tube (not even whole X-ray machine): $55.00 Future Direction With better funding and building skills, it is possible for the development of such X-rays. With even further funding and research, this machine can reach new markets (i.e. Doctors without Borders), a tape that can emit X-rays can be used outside a vacuum and a dark room, and maybe tape can produce different radiation like ultraviolet. This experiment has proven that first world hospital care can slowly, but surely, can be provided at any corner of the earth. Left: Electric Pump Above: Vacuum Chamber with Tape Dispenser Bottom: X-Ray Subject Above: hand pump with Vacuum Chamber Discussion In the end, I was not successful in creating X-rays, with or without electricity, due to some potential errors. 1. The vacuum was not sealed enough due to the tape peeler (screw) as it had leakage. 2. The hand pump may not have been powerful enough. While a significant vacuum was created, and the leak did not allow it to reach its full potential, a vacuum of over 14 psi was needed, and it’s quite difficult to reach this by hand. 3. The screw may not have been moving fast or consistent enough. A hand screw was used, so this was most prone to human error. 4. The darkroom may not have been dark enough. There were many small lights and cracks which could have affected the film. As seen above, the project was unsuccessful in creating X-rays