Breakthrough: Record Magnetic Field Achieved in Fusion Plasma Experiment

Realta Fusion and researchers from the University of Wisconsin have achieved a significant milestone in fusion energy research. Operating the Wisconsin HTS Axisymmetric Mirror (WHAM) experiment, they successfully formed and maintained a plasma with a magnetic field strength of 17 Tesla. This achievement marks a series of firsts for fusion energy, as it was the inaugural use of High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) magnets in a magnetic mirror configuration.

Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF) is a technique that involves trapping a highly energetic plasma within a "magnetic bottle" to create the conditions necessary for fusion reactions to take place. The utilization of very high-field magnets is crucial in advancing fusion energy systems. WHAM stands out as the first device to combine HTS magnets with multiple high-power plasma heating systems and advanced plasma control mechanisms. This integration is anticipated to set new records in plasma density, thereby laying the groundwork for future commercial fusion energy applications.

"This accomplishment is the result of immense dedication from the WHAM team and represents a significant stride towards the realization of fusion energy power plants," stated Professor Cary Forest, who serves as the Chief Scientific Officer of Realta Fusion and is affiliated with the University of Wisconsin. "Through the WHAM experiment, we have merged advancements in superconductor technology and plasma physics to showcase the potential of the compact magnetic mirror as a viable fusion energy solution."

The magnetic mirror concept was a prominent fusion energy idea in the United States until the 1980s, when technological limitations hindered the effective control of magnetically confined plasma. Recent progress in superconducting technology, particularly the development of HTS magnets, along with enhanced plasma stability control mechanisms, prompted Professor Forest, Dr. Jay Anderson (Senior Scientist at the University of Wisconsin and co-founder of Realta Fusion), and their collaborators to revisit the magnetic mirror concept. Their goal was to design a more compact and cost-effective system compared to previous experiments.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches, the WHAM experiment has not only revitalized interest in magnetic mirror configurations but has also demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing HTS magnets in fusion energy research. The successful formation and confinement of plasma with a record-breaking magnetic field strength signify a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable and efficient fusion energy solutions. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of fusion science, the WHAM experiment serves as a beacon of hope for the future of clean and abundant energy generation.