The ChiCom device is called EAST for "experimental advanced superconducting Tokamak". The Tokamak has been around since the 1950's. Basically it creates a magnetic bottle for confining plasma.
Sounds a lot like the Russian T-15 superconducting Tokamak which was shutdown for lack of funds.
15 posted on 07/31/2006 11:47:27 AM PDT by Mike Darancette
(999-TNS)