Researchers at the High Magnetic Field Laboratory of Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CHMFL) set a new record, when their resistive magnet generated a remarkable steady magnetic field of 42 tesla on September 22.
This success follows the laboratory’s previous achievement of creating the world’s most powerful 45.22 Tesla hybrid magnet in 2022.
The latest milestone in the development of resistive magnet technology highlights the remarkable progress and innovation of the research team at CHMFL.
After years of relentless dedication, a team of scientists and engineers has achieved a groundbreaking feat in magnet technology. By reimagining the magnet’s structure and perfecting its manufacturing process, they have successfully generated an astonishingly steady magnetic field of 42 tesla using just 32.3 MW of power. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 41.4 tesla set by the US National High Magnetic Laboratory in 2017.
The implications of this accomplishment are profound. Not only does the new magnet exceed the practical needs of magnet users, providing unparalleled experimental conditions for exploring new phenomena and uncovering previously unknown laws, but it also paves the way for the development of even more powerful magnets in China.
In the realm of high-field magnets, there are three distinct types: resistive magnets, superconducting magnets, and a combination of the two known as hybrid magnets.
Resistive magnets, the earliest high-field magnets utilized by scientists, offer unparalleled flexibility and rapid magnetic field control. Even today, they continue to generate magnetic fields that far surpass those produced by superconducting magnets.
“Resistive magnets and superconducting magnets are both ‘singles masters,’ while hybrid magnets are ‘mixed-doubles combinations,'” said KUANG Guangli, academic director of CHMFL, making a comparison between magnet development and table tennis.
“In 2022, we won the mixed doubles championship with comprehensive advantages. Today, we won a singles,” KUANG said.
High magnetic fields are a crucial and exhilarating aspect of material science research, serving as a catalyst for groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs. Over the years, scientists across the globe have made remarkable discoveries under high magnetic fields, leading to more than 10 Nobel Prize-winning achievements.
The development of magnet technology has emerged as a pivotal area of research, driving innovation and scientific progress.
Presently, there exist five steadfast high magnetic field laboratories worldwide, strategically located in China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States. These cutting-edge facilities serve as hubs for pioneering research and exploration at the forefront of scientific discovery.
