Physics World Newsletter: Superconductors for fusion, exploring CERN and Firefly lands on the Moon
If we are to harness fusion as an energy source here on Earth, one option to speed things up is to ignore large-scale reactors like ITER and focus instead on smaller, simpler devices. But how can we test the superconducting magnets that will be needed to confine the plasma in those devices? They’ll be bombarded by neutrons from the fusion reaction but as fusion can still only be sustained in brief bursts, how can we test how these materials will degrade over decades of use? Susie Speller and Chris Grovenor from the University of Oxford think they have the answers. Find out more on Physics World this week.?
Superconducting magnets inside a fusion reactor will experience conditions that aren’t seen anywhere on Earth. Materials scientists Susie Speller and Chris Grovenor are trying to predict how long these components can last in this extreme environment.?
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In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, online editor Margaret Harris chats about her recent trip to CERN. There, she caught up with physicists working on some of the lab’s most exciting experiments and heard from CERN’s current and future leaders.?
The US firm has claimed to be the first commercial company to achieve “a fully successful soft landing on the Moon”. Earlier this week, the company’s Blue Ghost lunar lander touched down on the Moon’s surface in an “upright, stable configuration”. It will now drill into the lunar soil and image a total eclipse from the Moon where the Earth blocks the Sun?
Fermilab’s Anna Grassellino: eyeing the prize of quantum advantage: Sponsored by SQMS Center – Fermilab?
SQMS director Anna Grassellino talks to Physics World about the evolution of a unique multidisciplinary research hub for quantum science, technology and applications.?
In case you missed it…?
The new Physics World Live 2025 series has now been announced, with the first event “Physics World Live: Careers” to be held on 9 April 2025. ? ? Join the live panel discussion on “what can you do with a physics degree?". ? ?
Confirmed speakers:?
Crystal Bailey, director of programs and inclusive practices at the American Physical Society?
Tamara Clelford, leader of the Chartered Physicist review at the Institute of Physics?
Araceli Venegas-Gomez, chief executive and founder of Qureca?
Tushna Commissariat, features editor of Physics World and editor of the annual Physics World Careers guide? ?
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New transfer arm moves heavier samples in vacuum: Sponsored by UHV Design?
Stiffer, more robust device developed in response to customer demand, says UHV Design engineering director Jonty Eyres.??
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Physics World webinar series: Brush up on your technical knowledge by checking out our extensive archive of online presentations and signing up for upcoming webinars too.??
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The final word…?
It was a kind of holy relic?
Historian Stephen Snobelen from the University of King's College in Halifax, Canada, quoted in the Guardian??
Isaac Newton’s beer mug has gone on public display at the?Royal Society alongside other items including his famous work Principia. It is thought that Newton gave the wooden flagon to his colleague John Wickins, and it was then passed down the generations.??
Matin Durrani?
Editor-in-chief, Physics World?