In a landmark achievement for high-tech engineering, a team of Chinese researchers has generated the world's most powerful stable magnetic field, a force a staggering 700,000 times stronger than the one that protects our planet. This breakthrough promises to accelerate advancements in fields ranging from clean energy to transportation.
The new world record, a steady field measuring 45.22 tesla, was announced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP). To grasp the sheer power of this creation, consider that Earth's own magnetic field, which guides compass needles and shields us from solar radiation, measures a gentle 0.5 gauss. The new magnet generates a field of 452,200 gauss.
"This isn't just about setting a record; it's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in material science and engineering," said a lead scientist on the project. "A stable field of this strength opens up entirely new experimental frontiers."
The record-breaking magnet, developed at ASIPP's facility in Hefei in collaboration with Tsinghua University and other institutions, solidifies China's position as a leader in advanced magnet technology. It surpasses the previous world record of 32.35 tesla, which was set in 2019. The team confirmed their magnet maintained its peak strength for over 30 minutes before being safely de-energized, demonstrating remarkable stability under extreme conditions.
How They Built the Unbeatable Magnet
The secret to this success lies in a sophisticated hybrid design. The team ingeniously nested a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coil inside a robust low-temperature superconducting (LTS) magnet. This approach allowed them to overcome immense technical challenges related to extreme electromagnetic stress and the interaction of multiple magnetic fields.
"The hybrid design lets us leverage the strengths of different superconducting materials," explained researcher Liu Fang in a detailed report on the project. "The HTS coil can handle incredibly high current densities, which is key to achieving these extreme field strengths without failure."
For more detailed technical specifications and initial announcements, you can view the official report from CGTN here.
A Quantum Leap for Nuclear Fusion and Beyond
The most immediate and profound impact of this breakthrough will be felt in the quest for nuclear fusion—the process that powers the sun. Achieving controlled fusion on Earth requires confining a swirling, ultra-hot plasma at temperatures of over 100 million degrees Celsius. No physical container can withstand this heat; instead, scientists use incredibly powerful magnets to create an invisible "magnetic cage."
This new, more powerful magnet provides a critical tool to better contain and stabilize this plasma, potentially bringing commercially viable fusion energy a significant step closer to reality.
The applications, however, extend far beyond fusion energy:
- Advanced Maglev Trains: More powerful magnets could lead to the next generation of magnetic levitation trains, capable of achieving even higher speeds with greater energy efficiency.
- Electromagnetic Propulsion: Research into advanced propulsion systems for aerospace and maritime industries could be revolutionized.
- Scientific Research: The magnet will serve as an unparalleled tool for materials scientists, chemists, and biologists, allowing them to study the properties of matter under previously unattainable conditions.
An in-depth analysis from the South China Morning Post explores these future applications and the competitive global race in high-field magnet technology, which you can find here.
A Triumph of Domestic Supply Chains
In a significant strategic achievement, the institute also announced the complete localization of the superconducting materials and complex systems required for the magnet. This establishes a secure, domestic supply chain for all critical components, freeing the research from international dependencies and cementing China's self-reliance in this cutting-edge technological domain.
While scientists are working with magnetic fields of astronomical strength, the principles of magnetism touch our everyday lives in simpler ways. For a fun, hands-on demonstration of magnetic attraction, you can explore a variety of affordable options, such as the popular Lovimag fridge magnets available in a 12-pack on Amazon for $6.26.
This record is more than a number; it is a powerful demonstration of how pushing the limits of fundamental technology can unlock a future of clean energy and revolutionary innovation. The magnetic cage built in a Hefei lab may well be the key that finally unlocks the power of the stars.
Chinese scientists announced on Sunday that they have successfully generated a steady magnetic field of 351,000 gauss—over 700,000 times stronger than Earth’s geomagnetic field—with a fully superconducting magnet, setting a new world record and significantly advancing the… pic.twitter.com/gFR1WQRWIH
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) September 29, 2025
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