On the other hand, Chen Mo collected the experimental data and left the data center, preparing to depart from the Science Island Institute.
On the way, Li Chengzhi couldn't help but ask, "Judging by the expressions of Academician Wan and the others, the experiment must've been a success, right? So many top experts tearing up—I've never seen them like that before."
"It's both a success and not a success. Depends on how you look at it," Chen Mo replied.
"What do you mean?"
"In terms of nuclear fusion, this first test was definitely a great success. Achieving this result marks a new chapter in fusion technology development," Chen Mo explained.
"Then why do you sound unsatisfied?"
"Even though we achieved something, it's not a success in my eyes. The plasma sustained a continuous discharge for 495 seconds, which seems impressive, but over the span of years or even decades, it's not very meaningful. It's like wanting to buy a watermelon but ending up with sesame seeds—that's how I feel."
From his perspective, this wasn't a successful outcome for the [Star Ring] experiment.
He had access to perfect technical theories and materials from the Technology Library, along with a super brain and artificial intelligence, and he had poured in countless financial resources. With conditions as ideal as his, this result still fell short of expectations.
Holographic simulations were conducted under ideal conditions, but actual experiments introduced variables and deviations.
This was the classic gap between ideal and reality. What he needed to do now was analyze the experimental data thoroughly and have Mo Nu adjust the [Star Ring] parameters based on the feedback. Hopefully, the next test would bring better results.
Even though it wasn't a full success, the experiment still yielded valuable insights. At the very least, it confirmed that the [Star Ring] concept was valid—the current data just deviated slightly from the theoretical model.
After hearing the explanation, Li Chengzhi quickly understood.
Chen Mo had simply set the bar too high. So even though the outcome was groundbreaking, it still didn't meet his expectations. But Li didn't press the issue—Chen Mo was the one calling the shots, after all.
Judging from the emotional reactions of the other experts, the experiment had clearly achieved significant results—just not quite up to Chen Mo's standard.
"So, you came here just to see the experiment?" Chen Mo asked.
"If I said yes, would you believe me?" Li Chengzhi laughed.
Chen Mo shook his head. "That'd be hard to believe. You're not the type to run around just for fun. I'm sure you have official business too."
"Heh..." Li Chengzhi chuckled, saying nothing more.
After all, this nuclear fusion experiment was highly classified. If it were any regular company, they wouldn't even have access to the experimental equipment or materials. For this [Star Ring] test, he had been assigned as a special liaison. Since he knew Chen Mo best, he was sent to observe and report directly to higher-ups.
"Let's grab something to eat."
"Sure, I won't be polite then. Let's eat in the Science Island cafeteria. Unlike you, I can't walk into fancy five-star restaurants wearing this uniform," Li Chengzhi said, pointing at his military attire.
"Alright." Chen Mo nodded.
After the three of them finished their meal, Li Chengzhi left, saying he'd come by again to check on the next round of experiments. Chen Mo didn't object.
After seeing him off, Chen Mo and Zhao Min headed back to the headquarters of the Army Ant Group.
"So you're planning to stay holed up in the lab now?" Zhao Min asked on the way.
"Now that the [Star Ring] experiment is complete, I'll be in the lab for a while, analyzing the experimental data. Handle the company for now—unless it's something critical, don't bother me," Chen Mo instructed.
"What about the holographic city project the city of Binhai is planning? Isn't that important?" Zhao Min asked.
"No rush. That project won't be moving ahead so soon. If anything urgent comes up, wait until I'm done with the [Star Ring] experiments, then we'll talk."
"Alright. Just focus on your research. The company's management team is already solid. Even if you decided to retire today, things would still run just fine," Zhao Min joked.
"..." Chen Mo rolled his eyes. "What, you think I'm going to pull a Ma-sensei and vanish?"
Back in Building 1, Chen Mo changed out of his experimental robes and headed straight for the lab, where he uploaded the data collected from Science Island into the system.
"Mo Nu, begin analyzing the experimental data from [Star Ring]," he ordered once the upload was complete.
"Okay, Brother. Processing now," Mo Nu replied.
Her holographic figure appeared beside Chen Mo, and in front of them, a projection of the [Star Ring] device materialized.
"Use the experimental parameters to replace the data in the original simulation. Adjust for any discrepancies. Then rerun the simulation—I want to see the results."
"Got it. Starting now."
As the simulation began, Chen Mo focused on the data windows. Compared to the original model, there were noticeable changes.
After a while, Mo Nu spoke again.
"The simulation results are in. The structure of the [Star Ring] device doesn't require modification. Each subsystem performs well and meets experimental requirements. Only slight adjustments to the operational parameters are needed."
Chen Mo breathed a small sigh of relief.
It was good news that the structure didn't need to be altered. Otherwise, dismantling and replacing parts would have taken a significant amount of time.
"Show me the parameters," he said.
"Right here," Mo Nu said, pointing as a list of values appeared on the translucent display in front of them.
"Due to the extreme experimental environment, the actual performance of gallium-graphite-tungsten differs slightly from the ideal lab values. However, the performance deviation is minor and within acceptable range…"
Chen Mo nodded and quietly studied the display, listening as Mo Nu broke down the differences.
"The induced electric field is stable. The current loop variation isn't large. Current intensity is maintained, and the peak current is slightly increased. However, based on the data, the current heating system can't sustain the plasma temperature for the required duration.
"So, we need to adjust the maximum flux change capability (Φ) of the ohmic heating field to a range of 16–20 V·s. Also, the total power (P) of the ECRF—sustained ion cyclotron heating system—needs to be increased from 5 MW to 7.5 MW. With this adjustment, the plasma can reach target temperatures within the specified time frame.
"The steady-state plasma current system (LHCD) operating frequency also needs to be adjusted to 3.7 GHz..."
Mo Nu listed out numerous parameters that required recalibration, and Chen Mo studied each carefully.
Manually recalculating and adjusting all this would have taken weeks—possibly months—but with Mo Nu's help, the process was significantly faster.
After pondering for a moment, Chen Mo said, "Run it again, but this time with the second set of parameters for comparison."
"Understood."
For the next stretch of time, aside from necessary breaks, Chen Mo spent nearly every waking moment in the lab, preparing for the second round of [Star Ring] experiments.