A revolutionary compact magnet has been developed in China, gathering attention from major science outlets in the region. The device is noted for its small footprint while delivering an exceptionally strong constant magnetic field suitable for a range of experimental applications.
The field source itself measures just about 33 millimeters in diameter, a scale that makes it remarkably portable for laboratory use. Its inductance produces a magnetic field amplitude that surpasses 45.2 Tesla, a value that dwarfs the magnetic influence of our planet and positions this magnet among the most intense static field sources ever built for research purposes.
According to a laboratory statement, the object known locally as Hefei has become the strongest source of steady magnetic fields for scientific investigation worldwide. The previous benchmark was set in 1999 by the United States National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, which reported a continuous field near 45 Tesla in their hybrid magnet, a record that stood for more than two decades. In 2019, a pilot facility achieved about 45.5 Tesla, but its design limited regular experimental use, preventing sustained, routine work at those strengths. The new Chinese magnet is described by scientists as providing a field strength capable of lifting a large carrier vessel from the water, underscoring its potential to push the boundaries of materials science and high-field physics.
The setup is designed to enable experiments involving advanced materials and living cells, whose behavior can change dramatically when exposed to intense magnetic environments. Researchers emphasize that controlling the exposure and understanding the interactions with magnetic fields are essential for reliable results in such studies.
As the field grows in significance, scientists across the globe continue to explore how ultra-strong magnets can unlock new insights into material properties, phase transitions, and bio-physical processes. The Hefei development is viewed as a milestone that could accelerate experimental capabilities in physics, chemistry, and life sciences, while inviting careful scrutiny of safety, feasibility, and practical deployment in daily laboratory work.
In related topics, discussions about how cosmic phenomena and protective mechanisms interact with solar radiation remain active in scientific discourse, highlighting the broader context in which high-intensity magnetic research sits within planetary science and space weather studies.