Chan Long Shan, Year 4, Physics |
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What’s your project about – in a nutshell?
This project provides parameters for microwave diagnostic systems in a next-generation nuclear fusion reactor that aims to achieve scientific breakeven (i.e. burning plasma). For engineering breakeven (a commercially viable energy generator), there’s still a long way to go. I simulated beam trajectories and their respective electric fields in fusion plasma. These diagnostics help us understand turbulence under extreme conditions—the density and temperature in the reactor are several orders of magnitude higher than the core of the Sun!
What sparked the idea for this project?
I didn’t plan on nuclear fusion as my FYP topic at all. During a self-sourced internship before Year 4 (shout-out to my friend Yee Suan for mentioning Dr Valerian and his work), I met Dr Valerian Hall-Chen, who became my supervisor. He introduced me to the ASIPP team (Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences) and this project. I then took Prof Xavier Garbet’s course in fusion energy, which sparked my interest in future power plants and their potential to provide virtually limitless energy.
How did your project evolve from idea to outcome?
Like most FYPs, it started with struggling to apply newly learnt (and often idealised) theories to real problems, encountering errors I didn’t understand, and seeking help from my supervisors. Prof Xavier and Dr Zhisong were instrumental in helping me connect theory with practical applications. To be honest, I still question my approach sometimes after reading papers with differing views. But with effort, I believe anyone can push through and “escape the matrix”.
What was a tough/challenging moment, and how did you work through it?
At the start, it was tough picking up the theory—from how fusion reactions happen under ideal conditions to what actually happens during experimental shots. The reality is chaotic: strong EM fields making 10²⁰ charged particles dance and fuse in the reactor. Luckily, my supervisors (Prof Xavier, Dr Zhisong, and Dr Valerian) and friends in the A*STAR research team were very supportive. I remember many late nights looking at code and troubleshooting, sometimes jumping on sudden 11pm or 1am calls with Dr Valerian to clarify things. It was tough—but it made me more confident. I’m also grateful for the mental support from my family and partner.
What was the most fun or satisfying part of doing this project?
Definitely when I was told I had the opportunity to visit ASIPP in China with Dr Valerian. It happened toward the end of the project when my contributions were found to offer valuable insight for the diagnostics design. It was exciting to meet and work with people focused on different aspects of the fusion reactor. As the film Oppenheimer says: “Theory can only take you so far.” Working with experimentalists helped me see the project from new perspectives.
One thing you learned – about the topic, or yourself?
I’ve learned that the world’s energy demand is only growing, and nuclear fusion could be a very promising way to meet that demand. This project deepened my interest in the field, and I’ve since applied for a PhD position to continue contributing to the fusion energy community. It also pushed my limits and reignited my passion for physics—and reminded me of my younger self’s dream of contributing to the world in small but meaningful ways.
Any advice for students starting their own final year project?
Don’t hesitate to approach your supervisors for help when you’re stuck! SPMS professors are all very nice and supportive. Also, try explaining your project in simple terms to friends or family outside your field—it really helps you understand your own work better and spot areas you might be unclear about.