A New Zealand company, OpenStar Technologies, has made history by turning on a fusion machine, creating a super-hot cloud of ionized gas for the first time in the country’s history. This achievement is a significant milestone in the development of nuclear fusion, which could potentially resolve global energy problems.
To achieve this feat, OpenStar used a levitated dipole system, where positive and negative charges are separated by a magnetic field. This configuration is stable and can be built in a lab or industrial setting, making it an attractive prospect for fusion research.
The company’s progress was made possible by the development of high-performance levitated superconducting dipoles using advanced materials. These magnets have a much higher strength than previous generation superconductors and can operate at extremely low temperatures, allowing for efficient energy transfer.
OpenStar’s achievement is significant because it offers an alternative approach to traditional tokamak-based fusion machines. The dipole technology has several engineering advantages, including the ability to iterate rapidly and make rapid progress without the need for extensive funding or long development periods.
The company’s director, Mataira, expressed optimism about nuclear fusion’s potential to tackle energy challenges in society. While there are risks associated with this technology, he believes that OpenStar’s progress will contribute significantly to its development and could lead to commercialization by the 2030s.
Mataira’s comments have been welcomed by experts in the field, who see OpenStar as a promising player in the quest for fusion energy. With their innovative approach and rapid progress, they are well-positioned to make a significant impact on the world of nuclear fusion.
Source: https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/physics/new-zealand-nuclear-fusion