Photo: CCTV News

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has announced that the new-generation "artificial sun," China Circulation-3, has for the first time achieved temperatures exceeding 100 million C for both atomic nuclei and electrons, marking a significant leap in performance parameters and a major breakthrough in China's controlled nuclear fusion technology, CCTV News reported on Friday. 

China Circulation-3 is a large-scale controlled nuclear fusion device, independently developed by China. Its energy generation principle is similar to the way the sun produces light and heat, which is why it is known as an artificial sun.

The latest experimental data shows that the device has, for the first time, reached a nuclear temperature of 117 million C and an electron temperature of 160 million C, according to CCTV. 

"Our experiment has achieved the 'dual 100 million degrees' milestone, along with a significant overall performance improvement, marking the entry of China's nuclear fusion research into the burning plasma experiment stage. Our self-developed systems for heating, control, and diagnostics were put into operation for the first time, with technical indicators reaching a world-leading level and setting multiple new records in China's nuclear fusion research," Zhong Wulü, chief designer of China Circulation-3 at CNNC, was quoted as saying by CCTV. 

Experts noted that the fusion reaction of the artificial sun releases tremendous energy, draws on abundant fusion resources, and produces clean and safe byproducts, making it an ideal energy source for the future of humanity.

Entering the burning plasma experiment phase signifies that controlled nuclear fusion has reached a key stage in the push for practical application. Moving forward, researchers will further upgrade the capabilities of China Circulation-3 to obtain key core data necessary for controlled nuclear fusion reactions, according to CCTV.

Global Times