Why fusion power could rely on high-temperature superconductors, China’s ambitious exploration of space

02 Sep 2021 Hamish Johnston

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast I chat with Erica Salazar of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who is developing high-temperature superconductor magnets for the next generation of fusion reactors. She explains why these materials could help make the dream of fusion power come true and why the magnets must be protected from a potentially damaging effect called quenching.

Also on hand is Physics World’s Michael Banks, who has just published this year’s Physics World China Briefing. He talks about the country’s rise to become a scientific superpower, especially when it comes to the exploration of space.

Institute of Physics Publishing recently hosted the SUST: Superconductors for Fusion Webinar, which you can watch free once you have registered.

Hamish Johnston is an online editor of Physics World

from physicsworld.com 7/9/2021