Researchers in China achieved a groundbreaking milestone in magnet technology by producing a steady magnetic field of 42 tesla, setting a new world record for resistive magnets. This achievement comes from the High Magnetic Field Laboratory of the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CHMFL), following their success in 2022 with the world’s most powerful hybrid magnet, which generated a magnetic field of 45.22 tesla.
The newly developed magnet represents a significant advancement in resistive magnet technology. After nearly four years of dedicated efforts, scientists and engineers at CHMFL innovated the magnet’s structure and optimized its manufacturing processes. The result was a steady magnetic field of 42 tesla, powered by a supply of 32.3 MW, surpassing the previous record of 41.4 tesla set by the US National High Magnetic Laboratory in 2017.
This state-of-the-art magnet not only addresses the practical needs of researchers by providing powerful experimental conditions for exploring new phenomena but also lays a crucial technical foundation for the development of even more powerful magnets in China.
There are three primary types of steady high magnets: resistive magnets, superconducting magnets, and hybrid magnets, which combine both technologies. Resistive magnets, the earliest high-field magnets utilized by scientists, are known for their flexibility and rapid magnetic field control. Remarkably, they continue to produce magnetic fields that surpass those generated by superconducting magnets.
KUANG Guangli, the academic director of CHMFL, likened the development of these magnets to a table tennis match, stating, “Resistive magnets and superconducting magnets are both ‘singles masters,’ while hybrid magnets are ‘mixed-doubles combinations.’ In 2022, we won the mixed doubles championship with comprehensive advantages. Today, we won a singles.”
High magnetic fields are essential for materials science research and are powerful tools for major scientific breakthroughs. Over the decades, numerous significant discoveries have been made under high magnetic fields, with more than ten of these achievements recognized with Nobel Prizes.
The advancement of magnet technology has emerged as a critical area of research, with only five steady high magnetic field laboratories worldwide, located in China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.