Chinese scientists develop research platform for 'artificial sun'

HEFEI -- A linear plasma generator has reached the design specifications, making China the second country in the world, after the Netherlands, to develop such a high-flux plasma generator, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced Tuesday.

This cutting-edge device provides a vital tool for developing key materials for the "artificial sun," a fusion facility designed to harness clean and sustainable energy.

The device, named Superconducting Plasma Wall Interaction Linear Device (SWORD), features a streamlined design inspired by Chixiao, a legendary sword from ancient China.

It measures 15.5 meters in length and weighs approximately 22.5 tonnes. It is capable of generating an extraordinary 10²⁴ particles per square meter per second and can operate continuously for over 24 hours.

An expert panel led by Ye Minyou, a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, evaluated SWORD's performance on Tuesday, concluding that the device has met the design specifications.

This enables rigorous testing of plasma-facing materials critical for fusion devices, which aim to replicate the sun's nuclear fusion process using abundant substances from seawater to generate clean energy.