The plasma in a tokamak fusion reactor is so hot, only pulsed transformers
have so far been able to generate magnetic fields strong enough to contain it.
Now Swiss physicists have shown that beaming powerful microwaves into a
doughnut-shaped tokamak can create a strong, steady magnetic field—a
significant step towards a practical reactor (Physical Review Letters,
vol 84, p 3322). A team at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
ran their microwave source for two seconds, but say longer-operating sources are
in development.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Physics
Gravity's strength measured more reliably than ever before
News

Mind
Symptoms of early dementia reversed by bespoke treatment plans
News

Physics
QBox theory may offer glimpse of reality deeper than quantum realm
News

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Is stem cell therapy about to transform medicine and reverse ageing?
Comment
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Symptoms of early dementia reversed by bespoke treatment plans
2
QBox theory may offer glimpse of reality deeper than quantum realm
3
How autoimmune conditions can unexpectedly drive mental illness
4
Largest-ever octopus was great white shark of invertebrate predators
5
The monstrous number sequences that break the rules of mathematics
6
Why the right kind of stress is crucial for your health and happiness
7
Is stem cell therapy about to transform medicine and reverse ageing?
8
Why your opinion of used electric vehicles is probably wrong
9
Dead Sea Scrolls analysis may force rethink of ancient Jewish history
10
This mesmerising Cornish time-travel film is not to be missed