Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion with Technique Resembling Pushing a Swing

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics have successfully used a new technique to generate helium-3 particles in an experimental nuclear fusion reactor, marking a significant breakthrough.

Nuclear fusion works by fusing light atomic nuclei to produce energy. Under extreme temperatures and pressure, hydrogen atoms are compressed into helium, releasing vast amounts of energy. Unlike nuclear fission, fusion produces minimal long-lived radioactive waste and has an almost inexhaustible fuel supply. It is also considered a safer and cleaner energy source.

One major challenge is maintaining the stability of extremely hot plasmas, which reach millions of degrees. Researchers must prevent energetic particles from escaping too quickly, which would cool the reaction. The new technique, called Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH), synchronizes electromagnetic waves with the natural motion of helium-3 ions in a magnetic field—similar to pushing a swing at the right moment to increase its height.

The experiments are conducted in the W7-X stellarator, a reactor designed to study fusion challenges. Helium-3 ions play a unique role due to their light mass and energetic properties, helping researchers better understand plasma behavior.