Researchers at the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry have unveiled a revolutionary ammonium fluorooxoborate (ABF) crystal, achieving the world's first direct frequency-doubled vacuum ultraviolet laser at 158.9 nm. Published in Nature on Thursday, January 29, 2026, this innovation addresses a decades-long challenge in nonlinear optical materials science.
The team's fluorination-based design strategy enabled centimeter-sized ABF crystals with unmatched phase-matching capabilities, surpassing the performance of 1990s-era potassium beryllium fluoroborate (KBBF) crystals. This advancement promises compact, high-efficiency laser systems critical for semiconductor lithography and quantum computing research.
Dr. Li Wei, lead researcher, emphasized the strategic significance: "Our ABF crystals open new frontiers in precision manufacturing instrumentation. The next phase focuses on wavelength optimization for industrial-grade applications."
This development consolidates China's leadership in advanced photonic materials, with potential applications ranging from atmospheric monitoring to next-generation spectroscopy systems. Academic institutions and tech firms across Asia are already exploring collaborative implementation projects.
