China’s EAST Reactor Breaks a Key Fusion Barrier

Recently, scientists working on China’s EAST fusion reactor have achieved a major breakthrough by operating a fusion plasma at densities up to 65% higher than a long-standing theoretical limit, while keeping the plasma stable.

• This advance brings researchers closer to burning plasma, a critical stage for practical fusion power.

What is nuclear fusion?

• Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun.
• Light atoms (usually hydrogen) fuse into helium, releasing enormous energy.
• For fusion to work on Earth, fuel must be:
  • Extremely hot (over 100 million °C)
  • Highly dense
  • Confined long enough

How do scientists measure fusion success?

Fusion performance is judged using the triple product:

• Plasma ....