Researchers from the Budker Institute for Nuclear Physics (BINP) of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have published a preliminary concept for a next‑generation plasma research facility. The project introduces the gas dynamics multiple mirror trap (GDML), a device designed to probe fundamental plasma processes and advance controlled fusion science. The information comes from TASS, highlighting that this installation aims to push the boundaries of magnetic confinement and plasma stability in a compact, scalable package.
The GDML concept envisions maintaining hot plasma within a carefully engineered magnetic field, creating an environment conducive to thermonuclear reactions. In particular, scientists anticipate achieving plasma temperatures approaching the order of 150 million degrees, a benchmark that would mark a significant step toward practical fusion energy and a deeper understanding of high‑temperature plasma behavior under a variety of fuel mixtures.
Planned for construction during the period 2025 to 2030, the project carries an estimated budget of 10.5 billion rubles. If realized, the GDML facility is expected to serve as a bridge between foundational plasma physics and a more compact, economical approach to fusion energy. By leveraging an open magnetic trap design, the installation aims to combine the latest advances in plasma science with a practical pathway toward cleaner energy solutions that minimize environmental impact.
One of the key goals of the GDML concept is to demonstrate how a modular, open‑geometry magnetic trap can enable efficient fusion reactions while using readily available fuels. Researchers plan to explore the viability of pure deuterium, deuterium compounds, as well as helium and boron as alternative fuel options. The proposed machine would span roughly 30 meters in length, with a central magnetic field near 1.5 tesla and peak fields reaching about 20 tesla in designated regions of the device. These parameters are designed to balance confinement, plasma pressure, and engineering practicality while guiding future design choices in the field.
Beyond the technical aspects, the GDML project reflects a broader effort to renew momentum in Russia’s fusion research ecosystem. As with many advanced facilities, the project is tied to ongoing investments in high‑tech research infrastructure and talent development. The work at BINP is anticipated to generate valuable data on plasma confinement regimes, heat transport, and stability thresholds—insights that could inform both national programs and international collaborations in plasma physics and fusion energy research.
While the GDML concept remains in the planning and design phase, it also signals a continued emphasis on environmentally conscious research practices. By aiming for efficient confinement and reduced energy losses, the project aligns with global goals to pursue fusion as a safe, low‑emission energy source. The initiative underscores the importance of robust scientific inquiry and careful engineering in turning fusion concepts into practical, scalable technologies that can contribute to a diverse energy portfolio in the years ahead.
In summary, the GDML initiative from BINP represents a bold exploration of magnetic confinement science. If successful, the gas dynamics multiple mirror trap could become a pivotal platform for analyzing high‑temperature plasmas, testing novel fuel combinations, and guiding the development of future compact fusion devices that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible. The project stands as a testament to continued innovation in plasma physics and to the long‑standing commitment to advancing fusion science in a way that serves scientific discovery and energy needs alike.