Can humanity truly create an artificial sun? Of course, it can. 

From a theoretical perspective, an artificial sun needs to generate strong light and heat. Depending on specific needs, it may need to operate without being fixed in one location. Naturally, this artificial sun may not be as large or as intense as the actual star Sun, especially considering the distance between it and the Earth, which is not on a cosmic scale like that of the real Sun and Earth.

China's research in nuclear fusion has made new advancements.

On January 4, 2025, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced that its large scientific team had successfully developed the high-current linear plasma device "Chixiao." According to expert evaluations, the device's parameters met design specifications, making China the second country, after the Netherlands, to have such a device.

The device "Chixiao" is named after one of China's ancient top ten swords, the "Chixiao Sword." It can spray 10^24 particles per square meter per second at high speed, and it can run continuously for more than 24 hours. In the future, this device will not only serve Chinese scientists but will also engage in open and collaborative international research.

The controlled nuclear fusion experimental device, known as the "artificial sun," contains a fusion reaction mechanism similar to that of the Sun. As a result, the extreme conditions generated by the fusion reactions, such as high temperatures and strong particle flows, place extremely high demands on the reactor materials. The Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences stated that, for the "artificial sun" to sustain long-term power generation, it will be extremely difficult to develop wall materials that are strong enough. Therefore, advanced simulation experimental environments are needed to test whether the developed materials meet the required standards.

In fact, the high-current linear plasma device can simulate the plasma particle flow impact environment inside the "artificial sun." It can spray large quantities of particles per square meter per second at high speed. Researchers can test the materials' resistance to thermal shock and particle erosion in an environment similar to the actual fusion operating conditions, thereby selecting and developing more suitable wall materials for the "artificial sun."

Fusion energy is regarded as humanity's ideal ultimate energy source, with advantages such as abundant fuel, cleanliness, high safety, and high energy density. Controlled nuclear fusion is a fusion reaction that is controllable and can be sustained, with the goal of achieving safe, continuous, and stable energy output. Nowadays, with continuous progress in controlled fusion research, commercialization in this field is accelerating.

According to the 2024 Global Fusion Industry Report published by the Fusion Industry Association, fusion companies plan to have three commercial reactors operational before 2030, 22 reactors between 2030-2035, and 6 reactors between 2036-2040. Based on data from the ITER device and the FIRE project, it is expected that the global nuclear fusion device market will reach a scale of 2.26 trillion yuan between 2030-2035.

According to related research reports, about 70% of commercial fusion companies expect to complete their first commercial demonstration reactor, achieving fusion power generation and grid connection by 2035. China's investment in commercialized controlled fusion accelerated starting in 2022. Currently, China's commercial controlled fusion companies include Fusion Energy, New Oriental Energy, Energy Singularity, and Xinghuan Fusion Energy.

From an investment perspective, the institution noted that listed companies are mainly involved in the supply of products, equipment, or technology reserves in certain parts of the industry chain. As the commercialization of controlled nuclear fusion accelerates, there is optimism about companies in related supporting sectors.