Core Insights - The optical frequency comb industry in China is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected market size of approximately 0.59 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 9.26% [1][4] - China has transitioned from "catching up" to "keeping pace" in technology, with three main technical routes: mode-locked laser frequency combs, Kerr microcavity frequency combs, and electro-optic combs [1][4] - Significant advancements have been made, such as the development of an integrated femtosecond optical frequency comb by the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, which reduces size to 1/8 of traditional devices and cuts costs by 50% while maintaining competitive precision [1][4] Industry Overview - Optical frequency combs (OFC) are spectral technologies that present evenly spaced, discrete, and coherent frequency components, widely used in precision spectroscopy, optical atomic clocks, quantum computing, and astronomical observations [2][4] - The concept was first proposed in 1978, with significant milestones including the 2005 Nobel Prize recognition and China's accelerated development post-2005, focusing on mode-locked laser technology [2][4] Industry Development History - The industry has evolved from basic research to engineering applications, with breakthroughs in integrated microcavity dual combs expected by 2024 and a projected doubling of XUV comb coupling efficiency by 2025 [2][4] Industry Value Chain - The upstream of the optical frequency comb industry includes raw materials like lithium niobate crystals and essential components such as mode-locked lasers and optical elements [4] - The midstream involves manufacturing and system integration, while the downstream applications include optical atomic clocks and precision spectroscopy [4] Market Size - The optical frequency comb market in China is set to reach approximately 0.59 billion yuan in 2024, with a growth rate of 9.26% [1][4] Key Institutions and Company Performance - The competitive landscape is characterized by a collaboration between leading research institutions and companies, with significant contributions from organizations like the Chinese Academy of Metrology and Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation [7][8] - Shanghai Precision Laser Technology Co., Ltd. has achieved technological breakthroughs in the field, delivering over 5,000 laser units and focusing on domestic product replacement [8] Industry Development Trends 1. **Technological Breakthroughs and Integration**: The industry is moving towards miniaturization and integration, significantly reducing costs and complexity [9] 2. **Cross-disciplinary Integration and Multi-band Coverage**: Development will focus on integrating with quantum information technology and biomedical imaging, enhancing sensitivity and resolution [10] 3. **Accelerated Industry Chain Improvement**: The domestic production rate of core components is increasing, with companies like Shanghai Precision Laser Technology reducing costs through vertical integration [11]