Korea’s KSTAR, often referred to as the “artificial sun,” has achieved a significant milestone in nuclear fusion research by sustaining plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius for a record-breaking 48 seconds. This achievement represents a leap forward from its previous record of 30 seconds set in 2021, marking a promising advancement in the pursuit of controlled nuclear fusion.
Unlocking the Power of Fusion
Nuclear fusion, the process where two light atoms’ nuclei combine to form a heavier one, releases an immense amount of energy, similar to the process that powers stars like the sun. Recreating these conditions on Earth presents immense challenges, requiring extreme temperatures and pressures. KSTAR’s breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding and harnessing the power of fusion, which holds immense potential as a clean and virtually limitless energy source.
Key Role of KSTAR
As a superconducting tokamak, KSTAR utilizes powerful magnets to confine gas within a doughnut-shaped chamber at extreme temperatures, creating plasma. This experimental setup serves as a vital pilot for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, providing valuable insights into fusion research.
Towards Sustainable Fusion Reaction
Extending the duration of KSTAR’s plasma operation at extreme temperatures is crucial for achieving a “steady-state” fusion reaction, a critical step in making fusion energy commercially viable. The goal now is to further enhance KSTAR’s performance to achieve 300 seconds of plasma operation, paving the way for future fusion reactors.
Optimizing Technology for Fusion Reactors
Recent upgrades to KSTAR, including the installation of tungsten divertors to manage heat and ash produced by the fusion reaction, have proven successful. These enhancements not only improved performance but also affirmed the reliability of KSTAR’s core systems. Continued efforts will focus on enhancing heating and current drive devices, as well as securing core technologies for prolonged, high-performance plasma operations, driving towards the ultimate goal of sustainable fusion energy.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Independent
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