Chapter 745

The movements of the Southwest Nuclear Physics Research Institute were naturally reported to the Institute of Plasma Physics at once.

In the conference room, Li Gang walked in and heard everyone discussing in low voices, their expressions mixed with concern, anxiety, and awe.

He sat down and said gravely, “You’ve all heard the news from the Southwest Nuclear Physics Research Institute, right?”

“We knew they were making big moves, but we didn’t expect them to move this fast—damn, they’ve hit 3×10 keV·s/m.”

Professor Xiao Chenghan nodded, sighing softly.

Stable operation at high load for 300 seconds—no exaggeration—this alone is historic.

A member of the magnetic confinement group added, “Their self-developed high-power neutral beam heating and microwave gyrotron systems are working very well.”

“I’m more curious about what first-wall material they used—it somehow boosted neutron irradiation intensity tenfold.”

“Who knows? But after we installed the nano-pore tungsten film and quantum sensing monitoring system, our neutron radiation has already increased by 15 to 20 times over before.”

Xiao Chenghan said, “Circulator-3 has now met the Lawson criterion ignition threshold. Next, we must achieve net energy gain.”

Net energy gain means q > 1.

The Lawson criterion means the fusion reaction releases more energy than the plasma loses through radiation and thermal conduction—but this doesn’t mean the entire device achieves net energy gain, i.e., can generate electricity.

Because heating systems, magnet cooling, and other components all require external energy.

The device isn’t just the reaction core—it has all kinds of supporting facilities. Even if the fusion reaction meets the Lawson criterion, if the power consumption of the supporting systems exceeds the electricity output from fusion, controlled nuclear fusion remains a losing proposition.

In simple terms: to generate 100 kWh, you must first input 120 kWh.

The key to the U.S. NIF achieving four net gains lies in single-shot instantaneous ignition, avoiding continuous energy drain.

If I move fast enough to avoid the massive consumption of supporting systems, I can achieve net gain.

“If we hadn’t upgraded the first wall and quantum sensing system, we’d probably be at this point too,” said a researcher regretfully.

“No—we’re ahead of them.”

“Different. Our vision is longer-term. Circulator-3 may hold the advantage for now, but in the long run, we have greater potential.”

Everyone spoke in brief remarks.

Li Gang waved his hand, signaling he wanted to say something.

“Don’t undervalue yourselves. At least, based on current results, our technical path is highly feasible. If successful, every performance metric will far surpass existing devices.”

“If everything goes smoothly, all upgrades will be completed within two months.”

“Alright, everyone—instead of sighing, let’s spend more time on experiments.”

Time was indeed tight.

Technological achievements at this stage would, to some extent, determine which technology would dominate China’s future controlled nuclear fusion.

If we fall too far behind, China’s CFETR might directly adopt Circulator-3’s technology.

“Right. We just need to proceed steadily, at our own pace.”

“The winner isn’t decided yet.”

While Li Gang and the others were in meeting, in Rongcheng, at the Southwest Nuclear Physics Research Institute.

Office.

“Professor, Shu Di Guan Cha wants to interview you again—what do you think?” Shao Yilin knocked and entered.

Zhang Zhi gao paused, then smiled. “Let Professor Xie handle this interview. I won’t get involved.”

After so many years as a leader, he understood that as the direct responsible party, staying in the background and letting core staff speak, while occasionally adding key insights, yielded better results.

“Understood. I’ll coordinate with Professor Xie.” Shao Yilin nodded.

“What’s the Institute of Plasma Physics doing lately?”