New Crystal Breakthrough Ushers In Era of Advanced Laser Technology
Table of Contents
- 1. New Crystal Breakthrough Ushers In Era of Advanced Laser Technology
- 2. The Quest For Superior VUV Materials
- 3. Innovation In Crystal Design And Growth
- 4. Impact And Future applications
- 5. Key Characteristics of ABF Crystal vs.KBBF
- 6. What advantages does the newly developed ABF crystal offer for 158.9‑nm VUV laser applications?
- 7. Chinese Researchers Develop ABF Crystal for 158.9‑nm Vacuum Ultraviolet Laser
Beijing, China – January 29, 2026 – A team of Scientists in China has announced a groundbreaking advancement in the progress of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser technology. Researchers at the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, under the auspices of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have successfully created a new crystal, ammonium fluorooxoborate (ABF), poised to revolutionize precision manufacturing and scientific research.
The Quest For Superior VUV Materials
For decades, the creation of efficient VUV lasers has been hampered by the limited availability of suitable nonlinear optical crystals. Potassium beryllium fluoroborate (KBBF), first pioneered by Chinese Scientists in the 1990s, has remained the only practical material capable of generating laser output below 200 nanometers through direct frequency doubling. However, the demand for more versatile and higher-performing crystals has spurred ongoing research.
The challenge lies in identifying a crystal material that simultaneously boasts high VUV transmittance,a strong nonlinear optical response,significant birefringence,and favorable growth properties. This new crystal, ABF, appears to address these critical needs.
Innovation In Crystal Design And Growth
The research team embarked on an innovative approach, employing a fluorination-based design and a novel performance-regulation mechanism. This led to the development of a series of high-performance crystals, with ABF emerging as the most promising candidate. The team subsequently mastered techniques to cultivate centimeter-sized, high-quality ABF single crystals.
This breakthrough allowed the team to achieve phase matching at an unprecedented short wavelength of 158.9 nm. This sets a new standard for VUV laser output using birefringent phase matching,opening doors for previously unattainable applications.
Impact And Future applications
This development is particularly significant given that VUV lasers are increasingly crucial for applications like advanced lithography in semiconductor manufacturing, materials science, and biological research. The ability to generate compact, efficient, all-solid-state VUV lasers will dramatically improve the capabilities of these fields. According to a recent report by Market Research Future, the global laser market is projected to reach $21.85 billion by 2030, highlighting the growing demand for this technology.
Key Characteristics of ABF Crystal vs.KBBF
| Characteristic | KBBF | ABF |
|---|---|---|
| First Developed | 1990s | 2026 |
| Wavelength Capability (nm) | Below 200 | 158.9 (and potentially lower) |
| Growth Properties | Challenging | More favorable |
| Transmittance | Good | High |
Researchers are now focused on further refining the ABF crystal growth process, optimizing device fabrication, and exploring a wider range of laser source applications. The ultimate goal is to develop all-solid-state VUV light sources with even shorter wavelengths and enhanced power,bolstering the capabilities of both scientific research equipment and advanced manufacturing processes.
This achievement not only strengthens China’s position as a leader in VUV nonlinear optical materials but also offers a crucial building block for future technological advancements.
What new possibilities will this crystal unlock in the field of advanced manufacturing? And how might this technology impact future scientific discoveries?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word about this exciting breakthrough!
What advantages does the newly developed ABF crystal offer for 158.9‑nm VUV laser applications?
Chinese Researchers Develop ABF Crystal for 158.9‑nm Vacuum Ultraviolet Laser
A Breakthrough in Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) Laser Technology
Scientists at the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have announced a notable advancement in the field of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser light generation. Their recent work centers around the progress of a novel crystal – currently designated as ABF – specifically engineered for use in 158.9-nanometer (nm) VUV lasers.This achievement represents a crucial step forward for applications requiring high-precision, short-wavelength light sources.
Understanding Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Lasers
VUV lasers operate in a spectral region between extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and ultraviolet (UV) light. this unique range of wavelengths offers several advantages:
* High Resolution: Shorter wavelengths enable higher resolution imaging and spectroscopy.
* Strong Absorption: Many materials exhibit strong absorption in the VUV range, making it ideal for analytical techniques.
* Minimal damage: Compared to EUV, VUV light generally causes less damage to sensitive samples.
However, generating efficient and reliable VUV lasers has historically been challenging, largely due to the limited availability of suitable nonlinear optical crystals. Existing materials frequently enough suffer from low conversion efficiency,damage thresholds,or phase-matching limitations.
The ABF Crystal: A New Material for VUV Generation
the newly developed ABF crystal addresses many of these limitations. While the exact composition of ABF remains proprietary, researchers indicate it’s a carefully engineered material designed to maximize nonlinear optical properties at 158.9 nm.
Key characteristics of the ABF crystal include:
* Enhanced Phase Matching: The crystal structure facilitates efficient phase matching, a critical requirement for high harmonic generation and frequency conversion processes.
* High damage Threshold: ABF demonstrates a robust resistance to laser-induced damage, allowing for higher power operation.
* Improved Conversion Efficiency: Preliminary data suggests substantially improved conversion efficiency compared to currently available VUV crystals.
Applications Driving the Demand for 158.9-nm VUV Lasers
The development of a more efficient 158.9-nm VUV laser source unlocks potential across a diverse range of scientific and industrial applications. Some key areas include:
* Semiconductor Inspection: 158.9 nm VUV lasers are vital for detecting defects in advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes, especially for next-generation microchips.the wavelength’s sensitivity to surface contaminants and thin film variations makes it ideal for quality control.
* Biomedical Research: VUV spectroscopy offers a non-destructive method for analyzing biological molecules,including DNA,RNA,and proteins. The 158.9-nm wavelength is particularly useful for studying aromatic amino acids and nucleic acids.
* Environmental Monitoring: VUV absorption spectroscopy can be used to detect and quantify trace gases in the atmosphere, contributing to air quality monitoring and climate change research.
* Materials Science: Analyzing material properties, surface composition, and thin film characteristics benefits from the unique interaction of VUV light with matter.
* Lithography: While EUV lithography is gaining traction, VUV lithography remains relevant for specific applications and could benefit from improved laser sources.
Research & Development Process
The breakthrough wasn’t immediate. According to Xinhua, the development of the ABF crystal followed “sustained research” at the Xinjiang Technical Institute. This involved:
- Material Screening: Extensive inquiry of various crystal compositions and structures.
- Crystal Growth: Developing techniques to grow high-quality, large-area ABF crystals.
- Characterization: Thoroughly analyzing the optical and physical properties of the crystal.
- Laser Integration: Testing the crystal’s performance in a 158.9-nm VUV laser system.
Future Outlook & Potential Advancements
The development of the ABF crystal is expected to spur further innovation in VUV laser technology. Researchers are now focused on:
* Scaling Up Production: Developing methods for mass-producing ABF crystals to meet growing demand.
* Optimizing Crystal Properties: Fine-tuning the crystal composition and growth process to further enhance its performance.
* System Integration: Integrating ABF crystals into commercially viable VUV laser systems.
* exploring New Wavelengths: Investigating the potential of ABF-like materials for generating VUV light at other wavelengths.
This advancement positions China at the forefront of VUV laser technology, with potential implications for numerous industries and scientific disciplines. The ABF crystal represents a significant step towards unlocking the full potential of this powerful light source.
