Core Viewpoint - The research team at Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Chemistry has successfully developed ammonium borofluoride (ABF) crystals, achieving a world record for the shortest output wavelength of 158.9 nanometers in direct frequency-doubling vacuum ultraviolet laser technology, marking a significant advancement in the field of nonlinear optical crystals [2][3][4] Group 1: Technological Breakthrough - The ABF crystal represents a new material system for compact and efficient solid-state vacuum ultraviolet lasers, overcoming previous limitations associated with potassium borate fluoride (KBBF) crystals, which were the only practical crystals for achieving laser outputs below 200 nanometers [2][3] - The team introduced a "fluorination" design concept, incorporating the highly electronegative fluorine element into the borate crystal structure, which facilitated the development of high-quality ABF single crystals [3][4] Group 2: Performance and Applications - The ABF crystal has set three world records in direct frequency-doubling vacuum ultraviolet laser output, including the shortest output wavelength, the highest nanosecond pulse energy at 177 nanometers, and significantly improved optical conversion efficiency [4] - The unique advantages of the ABF crystal position it as a core material for high-performance solid-state vacuum ultraviolet lasers, with potential applications in high-end scientific equipment, ultra-precision laser processing, and innovative fields such as space communication [4] Group 3: Future Research Directions - The Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Chemistry plans to continue research on the stable growth technology of ABF crystals, device processing techniques, and the development of laser sources, aiming for even shorter wavelengths, higher energy outputs, and greater power in solid-state vacuum ultraviolet light sources [4]