High Voltage Splits Atoms

By DAVID P. SENTNER,
I. N. S. Staff Correspondent.
(Copyright, 1929, by International News Service).

NEW YORK, March 4. — Science is still trying to get at the very heart of the atom.

By means of an instrument developing the highest voltage ever achieved by man, 5,000,000 volts, the nucleus of the atom is expected to be shattered and the elemental secret which lies within is hoped to be extracted.

The presence and intended use of this machine was revealed today to Universal News Service by Dr. Karl T. Compton of the department of physics, Princeton University. Dr. Compton acted as master of ceremonies at the scientific vaudeville show of the American Institute.

"The atom-splitting machine is a Tesla coil in the laboratories of the Carnegie Institution in Washington," said Dr. Compton. "For the past two years they have been perfecting the tremendous electrical pressure. I believe they are all ready to proceed on their work of shattering the core of the atom, a vivisection supposedly unattainable to date.

"What the interior of the nucleus of the atom may divulge nobody knows. Some talk of discovering enough energy to run the world. It is probable, however, that it would take more energy to extract energy from the atom than it contains.

One Important thing that might be learned from shattering the nucleus of the atom would be to discover its elemental composition."

Professor Compton said that Einstein's theories dealing with light and electricity was being utilized in these atomic experiments. The work is under the supervision of Dr. Gregory Breit, who, with Dr. M. A. Tuve, perfected the coil.

Dr. Compton pointed out that the atom is a miniature solar system in itself, with its electrons revolving about a central core.

Dr. Compton is retiring president of the American Physical Society.