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The dark experiment at Los Alamos: How this core became a scientist's nightmare
In 1945, researchers at the Los Alamos Laboratory created a uranium ball called the "Demon Core." Not only was this core part of the US atomic bomb program, it was also involved in two fatal radiation accidents, making this uranium ball a nightmare for scientific research. Its identity has caused considerable controversy in history, which leads us to think: Is scientific exploration worth taking such a huge risk?
Core Manufacturing and Early History
The "devil's core" is a uranium ball with a diameter of 8.9 cm and a weight of 6.2 kg, mainly composed of uranium and gallium alloy. It was originally manufactured for the purpose of testing an atomic bomb and was planned to be used in the bombing of Tokyo, but with the surrender of Japan, the core was retained at Los Alamos for research and testing.
Currently, the development of this core has become the research target of many scientists, but the risks that come with it cannot be ignored.
First accident
On August 21, 1945, scientist Harry Dahelian accidentally caused the core to enter criticality while conducting a nuclear reflector experiment. His operational errors led to a dramatic release of radiation, and he ultimately died of acute radiation poisoning 25 days later.
The accident not only shocked people, but also triggered a rethinking of safety procedures in the scientific community.
Second accident
On May 21, 1946, physicist Louis Slotin and other researchers conducted a similar experiment again. However, this time the operating specifications were not fully followed, leading to the same tragedy. Slotin's careless operation caused the core to enter a critical state instantly, and he died of acute radiation poisoning nine days later.
The two accidents sparked a debate on nuclear safety, with many people questioning the safety and necessity of scientific research. This is a profound lesson, especially for researchers who are determined to move forward.
Follow-up health studies
Following both incidents, detailed follow-up studies were conducted on the victims' health. The first report was released in 1951, and a subsequent investigation was submitted to the US government again in 1979.
Subsequent medical studies showed that the conditions of the scientists affected varied, but there were general concerns about the long-term effects of nuclear radiation.
The fate and future of the core
The Demon Core was originally planned to be used for the nuclear test of Operation Crossroads, but after the second accident, the dangers of nuclear releases needed to be reassessed. Eventually, the core was melted down in the summer of 1946 and its materials were recycled for use in other nuclear weapons.
This dark experiment not only affected the scientific community, but also had a profound impact on the future development and operating norms of nuclear weapons.
Today, with the advancement of technology and the popularization of nuclear weapons, we are once again faced with the two sides of atomic energy: it is a powerful energy, but it also hides potential destructive risks. In our pursuit of knowledge and breakthroughs, are we prepared to face the possible consequences?
