Controlling a lab from homeThe Remote Glow Discharge Experiment (RGDX) is a plasma you can control from the comfort of your browser. You have control of the entire experiment, including the gas pressure inside the tube, the voltage produced by the power supply that makes the plasma and the strength of an electromagnet surrounding the plasma. You can perform experiments from any computer anywhere in the world!In 2002, we began developing plasma sources for educational purposes, and one of our devices won second place in the national Apparatus Competition sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers. In 2003, we began controlling our plasma sources by computer for a plasma exhibit in a science museum. This progression led to remote control of a plasma from any location by anyone with an internet connection. This type of control could serve as an experimental component of an online physics class or for a school that typically does not have plasma physics equipment. As with all other Science Education Department labs, the RGDX was developed in large part by high school and undergraduate interns.The RGDX was officially released to the public on March 12, 2014. The story can be found here.Getting started The RGDX is constantly under development, so we'd love to hear your comments and suggestions! Please send your feedback to [email protected].To start using the RGDX, click the link below:Access RGDX Reserve a place in the queueThe RGDX can be used in a classroom as an interactive plasma experiment. To help instructors, we've implemented a reservation system. Simply email [email protected] and tell us your name, institution, email and what time period you'd like to reserve it (include time zone), and we'll send you an email with a special link to grant you access for the allotted time.Joining the mailing listRGDX is constantly under development, and we have some really exciting plans for future upgrades. Stay up to date! Join the mailing list by emailing [email protected] with the subject line: “Subscribe.”
