Osaka, Japan – July 18, 2025 

In a groundbreaking achievement that bridges the gap between laboratory physics and the most extreme phenomena in the cosmos, researchers have developed a powerful new technique to generate magnetic fields that rival those found near neutron stars, using nothing more than precisely aimed laser pulses. This innovation, announced today by the University of Osaka, promises to unlock new frontiers in astrophysics, quantum research, and the quest for fusion energy.

The novel method, termed bladed microtube implosion (BMI), allows scientists to produce magnetic fields approaching one megatesla (one million teslas) within a compact laboratory setup. To put this in perspective, Earth’s magnetic field is only about 50 microteslas, and typical MRI machines operate at around 1.5 to 3 teslas. The magnetic fields generated by this new technique are comparable to the immense forces found near highly magnetized neutron stars, also known as magnetars, or within astrophysical jets emanating from black holes.

The “Bladed Microtube Implosion” Mechanism

The BMI technique, conceived and simulated by a team led by Professor Masakatsu Murakami at the University of Osaka, relies on directing ultra-intense, femtosecond (quadrillionths of a second) laser pulses at a micron-sized hollow cylindrical target. The key to this unprecedented magnetic field generation lies in the internal structure of these tiny cylinders: they are equipped with sawtooth-like inner blades.

When the laser pulses strike the target, they cause the material to imploode. Crucially, the inner blades induce off-axis charged flows within the imploding plasma. This asymmetrical swirling motion of charged particles, composed of ions and electrons, drives strong loop currents near the center of the implosion.

The process then enters a fascinating feedback loop: these circulating currents generate a powerful magnetic field, which in turn confines the charged flows more tightly. This tighter confinement further amplifies the magnetic field, creating a self-sustaining and rapidly intensifying magnetic environment.

“Our simulation showed that ultrahigh megatesla magnetic fields, which were thought to be impossible to realize on Earth, can be achieved using today’s laser technology,” stated a researcher from the Osaka team.

Bridging Laboratory and Cosmos

The ability to create such extreme magnetic fields in a controlled laboratory setting opens up a vast array of research possibilities. Scientists can now:

 * Recreate Astrophysical Phenomena: Study the physics of neutron stars, black hole jets, and other cosmic environments where such immense magnetic fields are commonplace. This allows for direct experimental verification of astrophysical theories that were previously only accessible through theoretical models and astronomical observations.

 * Advance Fusion Energy Research: Strong magnetic fields are crucial for confining the superheated plasma needed for nuclear fusion. This new technique could offer pathways to more efficient and compact fusion reactors.

 * Explore Quantum Electrodynamics (QED): Investigate fundamental physics at extreme energy densities where quantum effects become significant, such as the generation of matter-antimatter pairs from light.

This breakthrough signifies a leap forward in compact, high-field plasma science. By harnessing the power of lasers and clever engineering, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in laboratory physics, bringing the extreme conditions of the cosmos within reach of scientific investigation.