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USTC Creates World's Shortest Wavelength Solid-State Laser

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rld-s-shortest-wavelength-solid-state-laser.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 14:43 GMT by Interesting Engineering
      Locales: Sichuan, Guangdong, Beijing, CHINA

Hefei, China - February 4th, 2026 - Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have unveiled a breakthrough in laser technology, successfully creating the world's shortest wavelength solid-state laser. Emitting light at an astonishing 147.6 nanometers, this advancement surpasses the previous record by nearly 10 nanometers and promises to reshape fields ranging from biological imaging to advanced materials science. The findings, published recently in PNAS, detail a novel approach to laser development that overcomes longstanding technical hurdles.

For decades, the pursuit of shorter wavelength lasers has been a central goal for scientists. The principle is simple: shorter wavelengths translate to higher frequencies and thus, more energy packed into each photon. This results in beams that are more focused, more precise, and capable of resolving features at increasingly smaller scales. While gas lasers have previously achieved similar wavelengths, the USTC's achievement lies in creating a solid-state laser at this incredibly short wavelength - a feat long considered exceptionally challenging.

"The difficulty wasn't just reaching the target wavelength, but doing so with a stable and efficient solid-state laser," explains Dr. Li Wei, lead researcher on the project. "Gas lasers, while capable, are often bulky and require complex infrastructure. A solid-state laser offers compactness, robustness, and the potential for widespread implementation."

The team's success hinged on two key innovations. First, they developed a new crystal structure specifically optimized for generating light at these extreme ultraviolet wavelengths. The precise composition of the crystal remains proprietary, but researchers confirmed it's a complex fluoride-based material. Second, achieving the necessary purity within the crystal was paramount. Even trace impurities can absorb the generated photons, dramatically reducing the laser's efficiency. The USTC team implemented a series of highly refined purification techniques, pushing the boundaries of materials science in the process.

Why Does This Matter? A Deep Dive into Applications

The implications of this breakthrough are far-reaching. The current limitations of optical microscopy are often dictated by the wavelength of light used. Visible light, with wavelengths around 400-700 nanometers, restricts the resolution achievable when examining cellular structures or nanoscale materials. The new 147.6 nanometer laser dramatically shrinks this barrier.

• Revolutionizing Microscopy: Imagine visualizing the intricate internal structures of viruses, observing protein folding in real-time, or mapping the arrangement of individual molecules within a cell - all without the damaging effects of electron microscopy. This laser promises to enable unprecedented levels of detail in biological imaging, potentially leading to faster disease diagnosis and a deeper understanding of life's fundamental processes. Several leading biomedical research institutions are already in talks with USTC to integrate the laser into their imaging platforms.

• Precision Manufacturing on the Nanoscale: The manufacturing industry is also poised for disruption. Current methods for etching microchips and creating nanoscale devices rely on techniques with limited precision. The new laser offers the potential for extremely precise material ablation and modification, allowing for the creation of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient microchips. Experts predict this could accelerate the development of next-generation semiconductors and quantum computing devices.

• Expanding Scientific Frontiers: Beyond microscopy and manufacturing, the laser opens up new avenues for scientific research in areas like attosecond physics (the study of events happening on the timescale of attoseconds - billionths of a billionth of a second) and extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy. These techniques allow scientists to probe the fundamental properties of matter at the atomic level.

China's Growing Dominance in Laser Technology

This development underscores China's rapidly growing prominence in the field of laser technology. Over the past decade, the country has made significant investments in research and development, attracting top scientists and establishing state-of-the-art facilities. The USTC is at the forefront of this innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

"China is no longer simply a follower in this field; it's a leader," states Professor Anya Sharma, a laser physicist at MIT, commenting on the USTC's achievement. "This new laser is a testament to their dedication and ingenuity. It will undoubtedly spur further innovation worldwide."

The USTC team is currently working on scaling up the production of the laser and exploring its potential applications in collaboration with industry partners. While widespread availability is still some years away, the arrival of this groundbreaking technology marks a significant milestone in the quest for nanoscale precision and promises to unlock a new era of scientific discovery and technological advancement.