Core Viewpoint - The research team led by Pan Shilie at the Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Technology has successfully developed a new nonlinear optical crystal, ammonium borofluoride (ABF), which achieves a record shortest output wavelength of 158.9 nanometers for vacuum ultraviolet laser through birefringent phase matching technology [1] Group 1: Development and Innovation - The ABF crystal is a key material for achieving all-solid-state vacuum ultraviolet laser output, with its performance determining the output wavelength and conversion efficiency of lasers [1] - The team proposed an innovative design and performance tuning mechanism for vacuum ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals, creating a series of high-performance crystals represented by ABF [1] - Researchers overcame challenges in crystal growth and device processing technology, successfully obtaining centimeter-level high optical quality ABF single crystals and vacuum ultraviolet frequency doubling devices [1] Group 2: Performance Achievements - The ABF crystal has set three world records in direct frequency doubling vacuum ultraviolet laser output: the shortest output wavelength, the highest nanosecond pulse energy of 177 nanometers, and a significant increase in optical-to-optical conversion efficiency [1] - The comprehensive performance of the ABF crystal far exceeds that of existing materials, providing a new key material system for compact and efficient all-solid-state vacuum ultraviolet lasers [1]

Core Viewpoint - The research team from the Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Technology has successfully developed a new nonlinear optical crystal, ammonium borofluoride (ABF), achieving a record shortest output wavelength of 158.9 nanometers for vacuum ultraviolet laser through birefringent phase matching technology [1] Group 1: Development and Innovation - The ABF crystal is a key material for achieving all-solid-state vacuum ultraviolet laser output, with its performance determining the output wavelength and conversion efficiency of lasers [1] - The team proposed an innovative design and performance tuning mechanism for vacuum ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals, creating a series of high-performance crystals represented by ABF [1] Group 2: Technical Achievements - The researchers overcame challenges in crystal growth and device processing technology, successfully obtaining centimeter-level high optical quality ABF single crystals and vacuum ultraviolet frequency doubling devices [1] - Test results indicate that the ABF crystal has set three world records in direct frequency doubling vacuum ultraviolet laser output: the shortest output wavelength, the highest nanosecond pulse energy of 177 nanometers, and significantly improved optical-to-optical conversion efficiency, with overall performance far exceeding existing materials [1]

Core Viewpoint - Chinese scientists have successfully developed a new type of crystal, ammonium borofluoride (ABF), which achieves direct frequency doubling of vacuum ultraviolet laser output at a wavelength of 158.9 nanometers, marking a significant advancement in laser technology and promising applications in precision manufacturing and cutting-edge scientific research [1][5][8]. Group 1: Development and Innovation - The ABF crystal represents a breakthrough in non-linear optical materials, achieving world records in wavelength output, nanosecond pulse energy, and conversion efficiency [5][8]. - The research team at the Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed this crystal through original innovation, encompassing material design, compound synthesis, crystal growth, and device fabrication [4][6]. - The development of ABF took nearly ten years, building on the legacy of previous Chinese innovations in laser crystals, such as KBBF, which had dominated the field for over 30 years [5][6]. Group 2: Applications and Future Prospects - The ABF crystal is expected to play a crucial role in high-end scientific equipment for research in fields like superconductivity and precision manufacturing, contributing to China's transition from a manufacturing power to a manufacturing stronghold [8]. - Future plans include the development of laser devices and original equipment that leverage the unique properties of the ABF crystal, potentially leading to breakthroughs in various high-tech applications, including space communication [8]. - The research team aims to continue enhancing the stability and processing techniques of ABF crystals to achieve even shorter wavelengths and higher power outputs for solid-state vacuum ultraviolet light sources [8].