Chinese scientists have set a new world record by developing the most powerful resistive magnet that can produce a steady magnetic field. Their 42.02 Tesla is more than 800,000 times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field. The feat was accomplished at the High Magnetic Field Laboratory (CHMFL), a facility of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It surpassed an earlier record of 41.4 Tesla set by the U.S. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in 2017.
Resistive magnets are coils of metal wires and widely applied in studies related to scientific research toward advanced materials and physical phenomena. After four years of intensive work, during which time scientists and engineers worked to perfect the structure of the magnet and optimize its method of manufacture, this development finally saw the light of day. Electrically driven, with 32.3 megawatts of power, this Chinese magnet performs even better than its forerunners in terms of both strength and stability.
High-field magnets like this one are critical tools in condensed-matter physics, allowing scientists to study superconductors and other advanced materials. These magnets generate strong magnetic fields, helping researchers observe new physical phenomena and manipulate states of matter that are otherwise difficult to explore. Each additional Tesla in a magnet’s strength significantly improves the precision of experiments, making it easier to detect subtle physical effects.
According to physicists like Joachim Wosnitza from Germany and Alexander Eaton from the University of Cambridge, the new magnet will pave the way for further breakthroughs in physics. Despite the high energy consumption associated with resistive magnets, their ability to sustain high magnetic fields for extended periods makes them valuable in research.
Looking ahead, the Chinese team plans to develop even stronger magnets, including a 55-tesla hybrid magnet, which could further revolutionize magnetic field research and exploration.
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