Chapter 745: Controlled Nuclear Fusion? This Wave of Advantage is Mine

The movements of the Southwest Institute of Nuclear Physics naturally reached the Institute of Plasma Physics at the first opportunity.

Inside the conference room, Li Gang walked in and heard everyone discussing in low voices with varied expressions—worry, anxiety, amazement, and more, all mixed together.

He sat down and said in a deep voice, "You have all received the news from the Southwest Institute of Nuclear Physics, haven't you?"

"Although we knew they had a big move coming, I didn't expect their speed to be this fast. Tsk tsk, 3×10kev·s/m magnitude."

Professor Xiao Chenghan nodded, feeling a bit emotional.

Steady-state operation for 300 seconds under high load—no exaggeration, it is enough to be recorded in history.

A member of the Magnetic Confinement Group said from the side, "The high-power neutral beam heating and microwave gyrotron system they developed independently are quite effective."

"I'm more curious about what first-wall material they used to be able to increase the neutron irradiation intensity by 10 times," someone chimed in.

"God knows. However, after we installed the nanopore tungsten film and quantum sensing monitoring system, our neutron radiation can be increased by at least 15 to 20 times compared to before," someone said with a smile.

Xiao Chenghan said, "Circulation No. 3 now meets the ignition threshold of the Lawson criterion, so the next step is to achieve net energy gain."

Net energy gain, that is, Q > 1.

The Lawson criterion means that the energy released by the fusion reaction is greater than the energy lost by the plasma itself due to radiation and heat conduction, but this does not mean the device has achieved net energy gain, which is the ability to generate electricity.

This is because the heating system, magnet cooling, and so on all require external energy.

The device is not just the reaction core; it also has various supporting facilities. Even if the fusion reaction can reach the Lawson criterion, if the power consumption of the supporting facilities is extremely high and exceeds the electricity output of the fusion reaction, controlled nuclear fusion remains a losing business.

Simply put, to generate 100 units of electricity, you first need to input 120 units.

The key to the US NIF achieving four net gains is single-shot instantaneous ignition, avoiding continuous energy consumption.

As long as I am fast enough to avoid the massive consumption of supporting facilities, I can achieve net gain.

"If we hadn't upgraded the first wall and the quantum sensing detection system, we would probably be at this step now too," a researcher said regretfully.

"No, it should be faster than them."

"It's different. Our vision is more long-term. In the short term, Circulation No. 3 indeed occupies an advantage, but looking further ahead, we have more development potential."

Everyone spoke a few words here and there.

Li Gang waved his hand, signaling that he wanted to say a few words.

"Everyone, there is no need to be self-deprecating. At the very least, judging from the existing results, our current technical route is quite feasible. Once successful, all performance metrics will far exceed the current device."

"If things go smoothly, all upgrades can be completed within two months."

"Alright, everyone, instead of sighing, we should spend more time on experiments."

Time is indeed tight.

The technical achievements of this period, to a certain extent, determine whose technology will lead the future of controlled nuclear fusion in the Xia Nation.

Once they fall too far behind, the Xia Nation's Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) might directly apply Circulation No. 3 technology.

"Right, we will proceed steadily and follow our own schedule."

"Who will emerge victorious remains to be seen."

Just as Li Gang and the others were holding their meeting, in Rongcheng, at the Southwest Institute of Nuclear Physics.

Office.

"Professor, *Shudi Observation* wants to interview you again. What do you think..." Shao Yilin knocked on the door and said.

Zhang Zhi Gao pondered for a moment and smiled, "Let Old Xie handle this interview. I won't join in the fun."

Having been a leader for so many years, he understood that as the person directly in charge, hiding his merit and letting the core backbone come forward, while he occasionally adds a few key points, actually yields better results.

"Alright, I will coordinate with Professor Xie," Shao Yilin nodded.

"Are there any movements from the Institute of Plasma Physics?" ===== CHAPTER 746 =====