Breakthrough: China's heavy-ion accelerator enters trial operation

China's High Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF), a major national science and technology infrastructure project, passed its technological acceptance review and entered trial operations on Tuesday in south China's Guangdong Province.

The HIAF is designed around three primary scientific goals: exploring the limits of atomic nuclei, revealing the astrophysical processes behind the formation of heavy elements, and advancing nuclear energy technologies and multidisciplinary applications.

The facility accelerates various types of ions to extremely high speeds before directing them to collide with atomic nuclei. These experiments allow scientists to probe the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei, attempt the synthesis of new superheavy elements, and investigate how heavy elements such as uranium are formed in the universe.

Beyond fundamental research, the accelerator can simulate extreme environments, including space radiation and fusion conditions, supporting the development of heavy ion cancer therapy, advanced materials and next-generation nuclear energy technologies. It is also expected to serve as a key experimental platform for fields including aerospace and biomedicine.