🔥 Big news from China! The nation's 'Artificial Sun', officially known as the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), has smashed its own world record by sustaining a super-hot plasma at over 100 million degrees Celsius for an incredible 1,066 seconds! 🌟
Located in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, EAST is designed to mimic the nuclear fusion reactions that power our real sun. By using hydrogen and deuterium gases as fuel, scientists are getting closer to harnessing limitless clean energy. 🧪⚡
So, what's the big deal with this H-mode? 🤔 H-mode, or high-confinement mode, reduces turbulence at the plasma edge, boosting energy confinement. Think of it like doubling down on energy efficiency! Compared to the lower confinement mode (L-mode), H-mode effectively doubles the confinement time, which is a huge win for future fusion reactors. 🚀
This achievement isn't just a national milestone; it's a giant leap for fusion energy worldwide. EAST's sustained H-mode operation provides valuable data for massive projects like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). 🌐
Since kicking off in 2006, EAST has run over 150,000 plasma experiments, each one pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This latest record beats their previous milestones of 403 seconds earlier this year and 101 seconds back in 2017. Talk about leveling up! 🎮
With nearly a million components working in harmony and around 2,000 patents secured, EAST is a marvel of modern engineering. Superconducting magnets, ultra-high vacuum systems, and precision controls—all coming together to bring us closer to a future with clean, sustainable energy. 🌍💚
Stay tuned, world! The fusion energy revolution is heating up! 🔥🌞
Reference(s):
China's 'artificial sun' sets new world record: 100m C for 1,066 sec
cgtn.com
