China Launches World’s Shortest Solid-State Laser: A Breakthrough for Quantum Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing

A Chinese research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has achieved a world record by developing the shortest solid-state laser with a wavelength of 158.9 nm. Led by Dr. Pan Shilie, the team utilized a newly engineered nonlinear optical crystal called Ammonium Fluorooxoborate (ABF). This breakthrough, published in Nature, overcomes decade-long hurdles in generating deep-ultraviolet light efficiently.

This laser reaches a pulse energy of 4.8 mJ with a conversion efficiency of nearly 6%, far surpassing previous commercial benchmarks. Its applications are transformative, particularly in high-precision semiconductor lithography, quantum research, and deep-space communications. By mastering this "Vacuum Ultraviolet" (VUV) spectrum, China strengthens its position at the forefront of the global high-tech race.