China Sets World Record with Ultra-Strong Magnetic Field 700,000 Times Earth’s Strength
- MM24 Multimedia Desk
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
This photo taken on Sept. 28, 2025 shows the superconducting magnet developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP) in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Wu Huijun)
In a major scientific breakthrough, Chinese researchers have successfully generated the world’s strongest steady magnetic field using a fully superconducting magnet — achieving a strength of 351,000 gauss (35.1 tesla). The accomplishment marks a new world record and places China at the forefront of superconducting magnet technology.
The achievement was announced on Sunday by a research team from the Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), based in Hefei, Anhui Province. The magnet was jointly developed with the Hefei International Applied Superconductivity Center, the Institute of Energy of the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, and Tsinghua University.
According to the researchers, this milestone will accelerate the commercialization of advanced superconducting scientific instruments, including next-generation nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers. It also promises to deliver crucial support for cutting-edge technologies such as fusion magnet systems, magnetic levitation transport, space electromagnetic propulsion, superconducting induction heating, and efficient power transmission.
Harnessing the Power of Superconductivity
Earth itself acts as a natural magnet, generating a geomagnetic field of about 0.5 gauss. By contrast, the new superconducting magnet created by Chinese scientists produces a field over 700,000 times stronger, demonstrating extraordinary control over magnetic confinement in laboratory conditions.
Superconducting magnets are engineered by winding special materials capable of carrying electric current without resistance. This property allows them to generate extremely strong magnetic fields while eliminating energy loss, making them essential for scientific and industrial applications that demand precision and stability.
Innovative Design and Technical Breakthroughs
Dr. Liu Fang, a lead researcher at ASIPP, explained that the new magnet integrates high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technology with low-temperature superconducting coils, arranged in a coaxial, nested configuration. This hybrid design allows the magnet to achieve both strength and stability under demanding conditions.
The development was far from simple. The team had to overcome multiple engineering challenges, including stress concentration, shielding current effects, and multi-field coupling phenomena that occur at low temperatures and high magnetic intensities. By addressing these issues, the researchers enhanced the magnet’s mechanical robustness and electromagnetic performance, ensuring it could operate safely and stably in extreme environments.
During testing, the magnet was energized to its full strength of 35.1 tesla and maintained steady operation for 30 minutes before being safely demagnetized. The stability and precision demonstrated during this process fully validated the system’s reliability and the team’s innovative technical approach.This new record surpasses the previous global benchmark of 323,500 gauss, setting a new standard for steady magnetic fields generated by fully superconducting systems.
A Leap Toward Fusion Energy and Beyond
High-strength superconducting magnets are not only essential for scientific research but also form the backbone of magnetic confinement fusion reactors — devices designed to replicate the energy-producing processes of the sun. These magnets create a “magnetic cage” that safely confines plasma heated to millions of degrees, allowing sustained nuclear fusion reactions.
ASIPP has been a leader in fusion research for decades and plays a major role in China’s participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, the world’s largest collaborative fusion energy initiative. The institute is responsible for several key ITER components, including superconductors, correction coils, and magnet feeders.
In recent years, ASIPP has achieved full localization of superconducting materials and systems, significantly reducing dependence on foreign technologies. This new record-breaking magnet not only demonstrates China’s technical self-reliance but also signals a major step toward realizing clean, limitless fusion energy.
“The success of this magnet marks an important leap in China’s high-field superconducting technology,” said Liu Fang. “It will inspire new research directions and industrial applications in superconductivity, energy, and space science.”
With this achievement, China has firmly established itself as a global leader in high-field magnet technology — pushing the limits of what’s possible in modern physics and engineering.
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