Chinese scientists create cutting-edge device for 'artificial sun' research

The Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced the development of a high-current linear plasma device on Tuesday. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Chinese scientists have developed a high-current linear plasma device capable of ejecting 10 to the power of 24 particles per square meter per second and operating continuously for over 24 hours at a time.

The research institution behind this device, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated on Tuesday that the device would provide crucial support for developing the core materials for a fusion facility designed to harness clean and sustainable energy, often referred to as an "artificial sun".

Ye Minyou, head of the appraisal expert group for the device and professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, announced that the device has met its design specifications, making China the second country to possess such a device after the Netherlands.

Stars are primarily composed of plasma. Within them, nuclear fusion reactions occur constantly, generating light and heat.

Since the mid-20th century, humanity has researched controlled experimental nuclear fusion devices, which have fusion mechanisms similar to that of stars.

Research on "artificial suns" presents multiple challenges, one of which is finding super materials capable of withstanding the impact of massive plasma particle flows to be used in constructing the barriers around fusion devices.

"In the future, the 'artificial sun' will need to continuously generate electricity for long periods, making it extremely challenging to develop resilient outer barrier materials," explained Zhou Haishan, a researcher from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science.

"We require cutting-edge simulation environments to test whether the developed materials meet the standards," he said.

Led by Zhou, the research team spent over five years overcoming obstacles developing this high-current linear plasma device, which is 15.5 meters long, weighs 22.5 tons and is shaped like a sword.

The scientists named it Chixiao after the famous ancient Chinese sword used by Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220).

The institute said China's level of research in nuclear fusion has reached the international forefront. Chixiao will make it easier to research the next generation of "artificial suns" — the China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor.