On January 20, China's "artificial sun" — the fully superconducting Tokamak nuclear fusion experimental device (EAST) — achieved a major breakthrough in Hefei, Anhui.
Source: Guangming Daily
On January 20, China's "artificial sun" — the fully superconducting Tokamak nuclear fusion experimental device (EAST) — achieved a major breakthrough in Hefei, Anhui. The device successfully maintained a steady-state, long-pulse plasma operation at over 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,066 seconds, setting a new world record for high-confinement mode in Tokamak devices. This achievement, which saw the realization of steady-state high-confinement plasma at the billion-degree level, confirms the feasibility of operating fusion reactors in this mode. It marks a significant step forward, moving fusion research from fundamental science to engineering practice, and it propels the development of fusion energy by a considerable leap. This milestone has profound implications for the design and operation of future fusion reactors.
The Sun powers the universe with its immense energy, produced by nuclear fusion reactions deep within. The goal of China's "artificial sun" is to replicate controlled nuclear fusion here on Earth, striving for what is known as "energy freedom." High-confinement mode (H-mode), prized for its high efficiency and economic viability, is expected to be the fundamental mode for steady-state operation in future fusion experimental and engineering reactors. However, achieving long-pulse, steady-state high-confinement operation in experimental devices remains a formidable challenge.
During the 22nd round of experiments, the EAST team at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, focused on cutting-edge research in Tokamak steady-state high-performance plasmas. They successfully tackled a range of advanced physical and engineering challenges, including integrating plasma core and edge behaviors, managing plasma-wall interactions, precision control, real-time diagnostics, and active cooling. As a result, they were able to sustain high-confinement plasma at over 100 million degrees for 1,066 seconds. Since it began operations in 2006, EAST has conducted over 150,000 plasma discharges and, through its open, collaborative management model, continues to lead the world in steady-state plasma operation.