Chinese artificial sun shatters world record with 1,066-second plasma confinement

EAST tokamak achieves 1,066-second plasma confinement, a fusion research milestone.

: China's EAST tokamak has shattered its own world record by maintaining plasma for 1,066 seconds, more than doubling its 2023 record of 403 seconds. ASIPP's achievement marks a crucial step in fusion power generation, showcasing significant progress. The reactor's enhancements, such as improved diagnostic tools and heating systems, have been pivotal in this success. Future developments in Hefei aim to advance fusion energy technology further.

China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the artificial sun, achieved a groundbreaking milestone by maintaining plasma confinement for 1,066 seconds. This achievement more than doubled its previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023. The Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP) at the Hefei Institute of Physical Science made significant strides toward fusion power generation with this success. This effort was complemented by the development of new plasma diagnostic tools and upgrades to the heating system, effectively doubling its power output.

EAST's continued progress is pivotal in addressing several challenges within fusion energy research, including managing extreme heat and operational stability. Through steady advancements in energy efficiency, EAST's record run has highlighted the importance of stable operation at high efficiency, edging closer to self-sustaining plasma circulation vital for future power generation.

The EAST tokamak has operated since 2006 and is the first to contain deuterium plasma using superconducting magnets. Its achievements are a significant contribution to projects like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, where China contributes around 9 percent to its construction and operation, propelling the advancement of fusion energy technology.

EAST tokamakPlasma confinementFusion research