China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has announced that the new-generation artificial sun, "China Circulation-3," has for the first time achieved temperatures exceeding 100 million C for both atomic nuclei and electrons, marking a significant leap in comprehensive performance parameters and a major breakthrough in China's controlled nuclear fusion technology, CCTV News reported on Friday.
The "China Circulation-3" is a large-scale scientific device for controlled nuclear fusion, independently developed by China. Its energy generation principle is similar to the way the sun produces light and heat, which is why it is dubbed the new-generation artificial sun.
Latest experimental data shows that the device has, for the first time, reached a nuclear temperature of 117 million C and an electron temperature of 160 million C, according to CCTV.
"Our experiment has achieved the 'dual 100 million degrees' milestone, along with a significant overall performance improvement, marking China's nuclear fusion research's entry into the burning plasma experiment stage. Our self-developed systems for heating, control, and diagnostics were put into operation for the first time, with technical indicators reaching a world-leading level and setting multiple new records in China's nuclear fusion research," Zhong Wulü, chief designer of "China Circulation-3" at CNNC was cited by CCTV as saying.
Experts noted that the fusion reaction of the artificial sun releases tremendous energy, draws on abundant fusion resources, and produces clean and safe byproducts, making it known as "the ideal energy source for humanity's future."
Entering the burning plasma experiment phase signifies that controlled nuclear fusion has reached a core stage toward practical application. Moving forward, researchers will further upgrade the capabilities of the "China Circulation-3" device to obtain key core data necessary for controlled nuclear fusion reactions, according to CCTV.
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