Xinhua reported this, as reported by Ukrinform.

Scientists have created Twist Boron Nitride (TBN), which is micron thick and the thinnest optical crystal known in the world to date. It is also 10,000 times more energy efficient compared to conventional crystals of the same thickness.

It was noted that this success was China’s original innovation in optical crystal theory and created a new direction in their production with two-dimensional thin film materials.

Optical crystals are an important element of the laser, one of the fundamental technologies of the information society, and can perform the functions of frequency conversion, parametric amplification and signal modulation.

Over the past 60 years, the research and development of optical crystals has been guided mainly by two phase matching theories proposed by American scientists.

However, existing crystals no longer meet the future requirements of laser devices such as miniaturization, high integration capacity and functionality, so the development of next-generation laser technology requires other optical crystals and materials.

Chinese researchers have developed a third phase matching theory based on the light element material system.

In their opinion, by creating a new design model and material system, they have realized the original innovation of the entire chain, from the basic theory of optics to material science and technology.

As a result, it is possible to create a TBN crystal with a thickness ranging from 1 to 10 microns (0.001 – 0.01 mm), while most existing optical crystals have a thickness of 1 millimeter, sometimes reaching a centimeter.

Chinese researchers are confident that TBN crystal will be widely used in quantum light sources, photonic chips, artificial intelligence and other high-tech fields due to its ultra-thin size, excellent integration potential and new functions.

Currently, TBN production technology has been applied for patents in the United States, Britain, Japan and other countries.

As Ukrinform reports, researchers from the University of Glasgow (Scotland) have developed a laser camera that can remotely read a person’s heart rate and detect signs of cardiovascular disease.

Photo: “Xinhua”