Chinese researchers build world’s strongest magnetic field
The superconductive magnet could lead to medical scanners precise enough to image neurons, researchers say
China has created the world’s largest strong magnetic field, a technological breakthrough that paves the way for the construction of advanced medical scanning technology, according to the research team behind the feat.
The superconductive magnet, recently completed at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Hefei, Anhui province, has a field that can top 10 Tesla, about 200,000 times the earth’s magnetic field. It has an inner space 92cm in diameter.
In comparison, America’s 10 Tesla Superconducting Magnet at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Florida has an experimental space just 2.5cm in diameter, while its 90cm-bore facility produces a field of just 3 Tesla.
We have effectively caught up with the US and other developed countries in construction of the world’s most advanced magnets
It is more difficult to create and maintain a high, stable magnetic field in larger spaces.
“We have effectively caught up with the US and other developed countries in construction of the world’s most advanced magnets,” said Professor Gao Bingjun, a lead scientist. “Hopefully, we will overtake them in a few years’ time.”
The world record for the most powerful continuous magnetic field is held by the 45 Tesla, also in Florida. But Gao said it might soon be surpassed.
The Hefei team intends to put a smaller, more powerful water-cooled magnet inside the large 10 Tesla superconducting magnet to create a hybrid magnet which, with technical upgrades in the ensuing years, would generate magnetic fields stronger than 45 Tesla.