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 102? 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.