China sets new global record with 35.6-tesla all-superconducting magnet

Chinese scientists have established a new world record in high-field magnet technology with the successful development of a 35.6-tesla all-superconducting user magnet, marking a major advance in research infrastructure for extreme physical conditions. This is reported by Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The magnetic field strength achieved is more than 700,000 times stronger than that of the Earth, making the system the most powerful all-superconducting user magnet currently available for scientific research worldwide. The achievement signals China’s arrival at the front rank of high-temperature superconducting applications, the source claims.

Researchers reported that the magnet uses a high-temperature superconducting insert and maintains a bore diameter of 35 millimetres. After initially reaching 30 teslas in 2023, continuous improvements to materials, structural design and manufacturing processes allowed the magnetic field to be increased to 35.6 teslas without reducing the working space for experiments.

With this upgrade, the system has become the only all-superconducting user magnet in the world capable of providing stable magnetic fields above 30 teslas for materials research. The magnet can sustain its peak field for more than 200 hours, offering exceptional stability, field uniformity and long-term operational reliability.

Strong magnetic fields are regarded as a critical tool in modern science, supporting research into quantum materials, high-temperature superconductivity, nuclear fusion and biomolecular structures. The new system is also expected to contribute to advances in medical science, including high-precision diagnostics and emerging therapeutic technologies.

The research team notes that further enhancements are already planned, with the goal of developing next-generation all-superconducting magnets capable of reaching even higher magnetic field strengths.

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