Single-Channel Pulse Source of Electromagnetic-Driven Fusion Large Scientific Facility Passes Acceptance

On August 16, the test and acceptance meeting for the single-channel pulse source of the comprehensive assessment experimental system of the electromagnetic-driven fusion large scientific facility, along with the inauguration ceremony of the Institute of Nuclear Fusion Science and Technology at Xi'an Jiaotong University, was held at the China Western Science and Technology Innovation Harbor. During the meeting, the single-channel pulse source of the comprehensive assessment experimental system passed testing and acceptance, and the Institute of Nuclear Fusion Science and Technology at Xi'an Jiaotong University was officially inaugurated.

Before the meeting, attending experts and guests inspected the single-channel pulse source experimental system. During the acceptance session, the project team presented the overall status of the electromagnetic-driven fusion large scientific facility, the development progress of the single-channel pulse source, and the test verification results. After discussing the relevant technical indicators, the expert panel concluded that all performance indicators of the single-channel pulse source met the design requirements and approved its acceptance.

The single-channel pulse source is a critical component of the electromagnetic-driven fusion facility. This technical approach generates pulsed magnetic fields through high currents, driving plasma to convert into X-rays, which are then used to compress and heat fuel to achieve nuclear fusion conditions. According to the project team, the future large scientific facility will require multiple high-power pulse units to operate synchronously within an extremely short time frame to form high-power electrical pulses. The acceptance of this single-channel prototype has laid the engineering foundation for subsequent multi-channel system integration and facility construction.

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two light atomic nuclei combine under conditions such as high temperature and high pressure to form a heavier atomic nucleus, releasing energy in the process. The electromagnetic-driven fusion large scientific facility is a major national science and technology infrastructure under China's 14th Five-Year Plan, led by the China Academy of Engineering Physics and co-built by Xi'an Jiaotong University, with construction sites located in Chengdu, Sichuan, and Xi'an, Shaanxi. Xi'an Jiaotong University undertakes the construction of the comprehensive assessment experimental system.

During the meeting, Xi'an Jiaotong University announced the official document establishing the Institute of Nuclear Fusion Science and Technology and held an unveiling ceremony. Relevant institutions also signed cooperation agreements on technology commercialization. Some technological achievements developed by the research team during the facility development have already been applied in scenarios such as oil and gas extraction, coal mine gas control, deep-well exploration, and photovoltaic product performance testing. Following its establishment, the institute will further coordinate fundamental research, engineering technology breakthroughs, and technology commercialization efforts related to nuclear fusion.

Xi'an Jiaotong University stated that it will continue to increase resource investment and collaborate with all parties to advance the construction, operation, maintenance, and technology commercialization of the large scientific facility, serving frontier research in electromagnetic-driven fusion, intense pulsed radiation science, materials science, astrophysics, and other fields.