High-energy physics just got a turbo boost: the world's largest full-ion accelerator, the High Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF), has successfully completed beam commissioning in Guangdong Province on the Chinese mainland.
Located in Huizhou City, this landmark project from the Institute of Modern Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences kicked off construction in December 2018. Over 6,000 large-scale devices, nearly 5 million components, and more than one million meters of pipelines now form the machine's backbone.
By harnessing digital twin technology, engineers slashed installation times from the usual two to three years down to just eight months – demonstrating how virtual replicas can revolutionize the way we build massive research tools.
Next steps include intensive beam performance tests, with the first scientific experiments slated for late 2025. Once in full swing, HIAF will deliver heavy-ion beams with the world's highest pulse intensity and feature a cutting-edge nuclear mass spectrometer.
Scientists around the globe are eyeing HIAF as a new hub for probing the limits of atomic nuclei, deciphering stellar nucleosynthesis, pushing nuclear energy innovations, and exploring applications that span materials science to medical diagnostics.
By offering a shared platform for facilities, data, and talent, the project aims to attract top research teams worldwide, sparking collaborations that push the frontiers of nuclear science and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
