Ratu Mataira

Nuclear fusion is the energy source that powers the sun and other stars.

To replicate this process on Earth, scientists have long explored using magnetic fields to confine and compress hydrogen nuclei for controlled fusion. Currently, mainstream tokamaks typically employ a toroidal structure, using external magnets to maintain the plasma's shape and motion. However, such devices are not only complex to construct but also face significant challenges in achieving long-term stable operation.

To address these challenges, Ratu Mataira founded OpenStar Technologies and led a team to propose a novel approach, different from the tokamak approach. They experimented with incorporating high-temperature superconducting magnets into a levitated dipole device and successfully demonstrated its feasibility. The core of this device is a high-temperature superconducting magnet levitated in a vacuum chamber, which generates a naturally stable dipole magnetic field to confine the plasma. Compared to traditional designs, this approach significantly simplifies the structure and possesses the potential for high efficiency and stability.

His team has now developed a prototype device, "Junior," and achieved a key milestone: generating and confining an ionized helium plasma cloud at approximately 300,000 degrees Celsius for the first time and maintaining it for 20 seconds. This achievement not only marks a pioneering step for New Zealand in practical plasma confinement but also lays the foundation for exploring higher temperatures and longer durations of operation.

The results achieved under his leadership demonstrate the potential of the levitated dipole concept in controlled nuclear fusion research, providing new insights and an experimental basis for the future development of sustainable fusion energy.