There has been a remarkable advancement in laser technology recently! Chinese researchers have introduced the thinnest optical crystal globally, a pivotal element for lasers. This groundbreaking material is a rhombohedral boron nitride crystal, only micrometers thin, with significantly enhanced efficiency. Lasers are vital in diverse sectors such as micro-nano processing, healthcare, and quantum technologies, with miniaturization being a crucial objective.
Breakthrough in Laser Technology
The research team at Peking University accomplished this feat by utilizing a unique "corner phase matching theory" and lightweight boron nitride as the foundational material. This "corner rhombohedral boron nitride" crystal showcases an energy efficiency surge of at least 100 times when compared to traditional crystals of similar thinness.
Enhanced Efficiency and Functionality
The ultra-thin crystal attains an impressive 8% efficiency in optical frequency doubling conversion across a broad spectrum range, rendering it 100 to 10,000 times more effective than conventional crystals of identical dimensions.
Future Implications
Beyond efficiency enhancements, the corner phase matching technique empowers boron nitride crystals to manipulate light polarization, opening paths for a new era of lasers characterized by extreme wavelengths, sizes, and stability. Professor Liu Kaihui, a member of the research team, envisions the potential of this technology to downsize lasers to the micron scale and potentially revive materials previously unsuitable for optical crystal creation. This discovery signifies significant promise for the evolution of laser technology.
