(ORDO NEWS) — Chinese researchers broke the record for the strongest permanent magnetic field. At the Sustained High Magnetic Field Facility (SHMFF) in Hefei, the team created a magnetic field of 45.22 Tesla.
This is 780,000 stronger than the Earth‘s magnetic field 50 degrees north or south of the equator.
This achievement surpasses the previous record of 45 Tesla, which was set by the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) in Florida in 1999. The time taken to surpass it shows how technically difficult it is to create such magnets.
The magnet in SHMFF and the magnet in MagLab are hybrid magnets. Outside is a superconducting magnet.
Superconductors can conduct large electric currents, which in turn can create a stronger magnetic field. However, there are limits to how strong a magnetic field can be.
To balance the system, a solenoid magnet was installed in the inner part. This type of electromagnet consists of metal plates and insulating spacers in a helical configuration.
Such magnets are capable of creating extremely powerful magnetic fields. For example, in 2014, the Netherlands set a record for creating a permanent magnetic field of 37.5 Tesla.
The disadvantage is that they require high drive currents and dissipate a lot of heat. Thus, the combined approach using a solenoid and superconductor magnet design was found to be a winning combination.
“In order to achieve a higher magnetic field, we have improved the structure of the magnet and developed new materials,” said Professor Quang Guangli, scientific director of the High Magnetic Field Laboratory of the Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences.
“The production process for the solenoid discs has also been optimized.”
The study of these extreme magnetic fields is interesting in itself, as it allows us to better understand the magnetic technologies that are involved in many fields.
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