The Evolution of LBO Crystal: From Past to Present
Source:
Publish time:
2025-09-26
The Evolution of LBO Crystal: From Past to Present
The Laser Stage: The Curtain Rises
In 1959, a young and handsome physicist named Theodore Maiman used a pink ruby crystal to create a device known as an "optical maser." In May 1960, after a series of ingenious experiments, this machine that had captivated him finally emitted a pulse of high-brightness, high-intensity, monochromatic red light. This once-unknown scientist became famous overnight. This beam of light, which had never existed in nature before, completely changed the course of history, and lasers officially took the stage. Solid-state lasers quickly became the darlings of the laser world due to their many advantages: compact size, high efficiency, long lifespan, excellent beam quality, non-toxicity, no need for special gases, and low cost. However, for quite a long time afterward, the lack of suitable nonlinear frequency-doubling materials made it extremely difficult for solid-state lasers to efficiently convert infrared light directly into visible or even shorter ultraviolet wavelengths. This limitation drove many scientists to frustration.
Theodore Maiman - Creator of the World's First Laser
A Chinese Crystal Bursts Onto the Scene
The turning point came in the 1970s when Professor Chen Chuangtian and his research team at the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter proposed what would later become the renowned anionic group theory. This theory essentially states that nonlinear optical effects are localized phenomena, resulting from the geometric superposition of microscopic coefficients of the basic crystal units—the anionic groups. The microscopic frequency-doubling coefficients of these anionic groups can be calculated through localization, quantum chemical orbital theory, and second-order perturbation theory. Put simply, the theory asserts that anionic groups are the primary contributors to nonlinear optical effects—cations need not compete for credit. Armed with this anionic group theory, the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter went on to invent a series of crystals including BBO, LBO, and KBBF. Among these, LBO crystals can efficiently perform second and third harmonic generation for Nd-based laser systems and can be used for optical parametric chirped pulse amplification to output high-power ultrashort laser pulses. The invention of these crystals, hailed as "Chinese brand" crystals, earned China international reverence in the field of nonlinear optical crystal materials and propelled solid-state laser technology to race ahead, leaving competitors in the dust.
Professor Chen Chuangtian, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1937-2018)
A Turbulent Life, Reborn Like a Phoenix
In 1988, the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter (FJIRSM) established the Fujian Crystal Technology Development Company (officially registered in 1990, the predecessor of CASTECH), entrusting the commercialization of LBO and BBO crystals to CASTECH. Under the meticulous guidance of CASTECH, LBO crystals began their remarkable journey, steadily conquering challenges and carving out a significant niche in the ultraviolet frequency-doubling field. It was the contributions of LBO and BBO crystals that enabled CASTECH to successfully list on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange's SME Board in 2008. However, the development of LBO crystals faced numerous setbacks and difficulties. Since LBO crystals are incongruently melting compounds, they require flux to grow. Initially, the flux system used was quite viscous, resulting in crystals with many microscopic defects. This led to extremely low utilization rates and certain performance metrics that did not meet customer requirements, often causing delivery delays and customer dissatisfaction. Under the immense pressure of potentially losing a large number of customers, CASTECH promptly organized its research and development team to boldly improve and innovate the original process. Ultimately, LBO crystals were reborn, securing their market position. This experience made CASTECH place even greater emphasis on research and development, continuously investing more resources in LBO growth and processing, relentlessly pursuing perfection, and decisively outpacing competitors.
Glorious Achievements, Forging Ahead
Thanks to the LBO crystal’s outstanding performance—and the continual improvements and innovations in its growth and processing by the FIRSM and CASTECH Inc.—it has garnered numerous awards.
- 1990: First Prize of the Scientific and Technological Progress Award of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; also it was evaluated as one of the most important Laser Products of 1989 by American laser magazine.
- 1991: First Prize of the National Invention Award (China).
- 1999: Gold Prize for Chinese Invention Patents, jointly issued by China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- 2018: Awarded the “Manufacturing Single Champion Product” by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Of course, CASTECH will not stop here. True to its corporate culture of “Unity, Diligence, Practicality, and Innovation,” it will keep pushing the boundaries and let this venerable LBO crystal shine with renewed brilliance.
Related Information