Chinese scientists have set a new world record by creating a resistive magnet with a stable magnetic field of up to 42.02 Tesla – over 800,000 times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field. This achievement marks a significant advancement in the field of physics research, paving the way for the development of even more powerful and reliable magnets.
This success comes from the High Magnetic Field Laboratory (CHMFL) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, after nearly four years of research and development. The research team continuously refined the structure of the magnet and optimized the production process to achieve the new record. With a power supply of 32.3 MW, this magnet surpassed the previous record of 41.4 Tesla, which was set by the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) in the United States in 2017.
Resistive magnets are made from coiled metal wire and are widely used in scientific research. Although this technology has been around for a long time, it remains crucial due to its ability to generate strong and stable magnetic fields over extended periods. In 2022, CHMFL also achieved success by creating the world’s strongest hybrid magnet with a magnetic field of 45.22 Tesla.
With a power supply of 32.3 MW, this magnet surpassed the previous level of 41.4 Tesla.
Impact on Scientific Research and Physics
The new record from China is not only a technical achievement but also opens the door to many scientific discoveries. Joachim Wosnitza, a physicist at the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (Germany), believes that this success will facilitate the development of reliable magnets capable of maintaining stronger magnetic fields, thereby promoting advancements in physics.
High-field magnets, such as the resistive magnet from CHMFL, are considered indispensable tools in researching the hidden properties of advanced materials. They play a critical role in studying superconductors, materials that can conduct electricity without thermal loss at low temperatures. High magnetic fields also provide opportunities to observe new physical phenomena, leading to a better understanding of condensed matter physics.
According to Alexander Eaton, a physicist at the University of Cambridge, each additional Tesla in the magnetic field will improve the accuracy of scientific measurements, aiding in the detection of more subtle physical phenomena and enhancing resolution in experiments.
Resistive Magnets and Energy Challenges
High-field magnets are considered essential tools in researching the hidden properties of advanced materials.
Despite their advantages in generating high magnetic fields, resistive magnets face significant challenges regarding energy consumption. To maintain a magnetic field of 42.02 Tesla, the CHMFL magnet requires 32.3 megawatts of electricity – a colossal figure that necessitates strong justification for the scientific benefits of utilizing such resources. This considerable energy consumption is a weakness of resistive magnet technology, making operational costs very high.
In response to this issue, scientists are researching the development of hybrid magnets and entirely new superconducting magnets that can generate high magnetic fields with lower energy consumption. In 2019, NHMFL successfully created a small superconducting magnet reaching 45.5 Tesla in a short time. They are also working on a larger version of the superconducting magnet with a magnetic field of 40 Tesla. Meanwhile, the research team at CHMFL is developing a hybrid magnet with a magnetic field of up to 55 Tesla.
The Future of Superconducting and Hybrid Magnets
In the future, with technological advancements, more powerful magnets.
Newer types of magnets, such as superconducting and hybrid magnets, promise better operational efficiency compared to resistive magnets. They consume less energy and are expected to help reduce operational costs. However, these technologies also face their own challenges, particularly the very high initial construction costs and the need for complex cooling systems.
In the future, with technological advancements, more powerful magnets that consume less energy will enable scientists to delve deeper into new physical discoveries, leading to broader insights into the universe and natural phenomena.
China’s achievement in breaking the world record with a magnetic field of 42.02 Tesla is not only a significant technological advancement but also a foundation for future scientific research. Although high energy consumption remains a challenge, the development of new types of magnets opens up new opportunities for science and physics, bringing us closer to major discoveries in condensed matter physics and other fields.
