Chinese scientists have taken a monumental leap in magnet technology by developing a resistive magnet that generates a steady magnetic field of 42.02 tesla.
This accomplishment not only surpasses the previous record held by the United States but also marks a significant milestone in the field of high magnetic field research.
On September 22, 2024, researchers at the High Magnetic Field Laboratory of Hefei Institutes of Physical Science in China reached this new peak.
The previous record for the strongest resistive magnet, at 41.4 tesla, was set by the US National High Magnetic Laboratory in 2017.
The new Chinese achievement demonstrates the country’s growing capabilities in advanced scientific research and technological innovation.
Magnets are integral components in a variety of applications, from everyday items like speakers and toys to sophisticated medical equipment.
They come in several types, including permanent magnets and electromagnets.
Permanent magnets, made from ferromagnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt, continuously produce a magnetic field once magnetized.
Electromagnets, typically made with coils of conducting wire, generate a magnetic field only when an electric current passes through them, offering significant control over the magnetic field strength.
Among electromagnets, resistive magnets are known for their ability to produce substantial magnetic fields.
Made from metals such as copper and aluminum, these magnets generate a lot of heat due to electrical resistance.
Scientists often use superconducting materials to counteract this issue, which can conduct electricity without generating heat but must operate near absolute zero temperatures.
Hybrid magnets utilize both resistive and superconducting technologies to produce even stronger magnetic fields.
Despite their efficiency, superconducting magnets have not yet been able to outperform the magnetic fields generated by resistive magnets.
In 2022, for instance, researchers at the same Chinese laboratory set a world record with a hybrid magnet generating 45.22 tesla.
The feat achieved by the Chinese team this year involved nearly four years of innovation and optimization in magnetic structure and production processes.
The resistive magnet, which consumed 32.3 megawatts of power (equivalent to approximately 43,000 horsepower), provides scientists with powerful conditions to conduct experiments, fostering new discoveries in physics, chemistry, materials science, and life sciences.
High magnetic fields are invaluable for research, aiding in the examination of material properties and the discovery of new physical phenomena.
These fields have also been pivotal in developing technologies like electromagnetic metallurgy, chemical reaction synthesis, and advanced medical imaging techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Kuang Guangli, academic director of the High Magnetic Field Laboratory, stated that the breakthrough satisfies the demand for a stable and regulated high magnetic field.
The new magnet’s advanced capabilities will support the development of new electronic materials, explore high-temperature superconductivity, study disease pathology, and develop high-performance semiconductor materials.
Presently, only five nations, including China and the US, have research institutes capable of producing steady, high magnetic fields.
Such facilities have facilitated various Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, highlighting their importance in the global scientific community.
The Chinese High Magnetic Field Laboratory has already provided experimental conditions for over 197 domestic and international institutions, including renowned universities such as Tsinghua, Peking, and Harvard.
The facility has supported groundbreaking research, including studies on the molecular and neural mechanisms enhanced by sunlight exposure, as well as the development of drug candidates for cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and diabetes.
This latest achievement is a testament to China’s scientific prowess and sets the stage for future advancements in various technological fields, ensuring the country’s significant role in the domain of high magnetic field research.