Lithuania has a long history of optical research. It successfully developed its own laser generator in the 1960s. Limodern optics and optical engineering were formed within the framework established by the former Soviet Union. The main research directions include quantum electronics, nonlinear optics, and ultra-high-speed optoelectronics.
Lithuanian laser companies entered the international laser market as early as the 1980s, and are currently in an international leading position in certain fields, and some products have a market share of more than 50%. Many cutting-edge scientific research institutions with international reputations are important users of these companies, such as Cambridge, California Berkeley, Cornell and the University of North Carolina, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Laser Research Center, Japan and Israel Nuclear Research Center and IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, etc.
Here is an introduction to the status quo of Lithuanian laser industry, research institutions, main research projects and production enterprises.
1. The history and current situation of Lithuania’s optical (laser) industry
Lithuania has a long history of optical research. As early as the beginning of the 17th century, Vilnius University began to conduct early optical research. After that, due to the needs of astronomy, Vilnius University established its own observatory in 1753, and began to hold regular optical lectures at the end of the 18th century.
Limodern optics and optical engineering were formed within the framework of the former Soviet Union. Its main research directions include quantum electronics, nonlinear optics, and ultra-high-speed optoelectronics. When the Hughes Manufacturing Company in the United States produced the world's earliest laser generator in 1960, only 7 years later, Vilnius University successfully developed its own laser generator. Since then, Li has been at an advanced level in the field of lasers. In 2001, Professor A.P.Piskarskas of Vilnius University won the European Quantum Electronics and Optics Prize, which marked that the status of laser physicists in this field has been recognized by the European physics community.
Li has not only excellent laser experts, but also many laser companies. The Li government has made the laser industry a priority for Li. The close integration of scientific research and production enables Lilaser to maintain a competitive advantage and also enables Lilaser industry to occupy a certain position in the international market.
As early as the 1980s, Lilaser entered the international market, and was in an international leading position in certain product fields, with a market share of more than 50%. Now, laser equipment and accessories labeled "Made in Lithuania" can be found everywhere in the world. Many cutting-edge scientific research institutions with international reputation are important users of these companies, such as Cambridge, California Berkeley, Cornell and the University of North Carolina, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Laser Research Center, Japan and Israel Nuclear Research Center And IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center are using laser equipment made in Lithuania.
In the European and global markets, Lilaser technology and products have always maintained a strong competitiveness. The total output value of its laser technology company has reached 20 million euros. 90% of laser technology and product equipment are exported to the European Union, Israel, Switzerland, Japan and the United States have sales networks in nearly 100 countries around the world, most of which are used in scientific research in universities or laboratories, and some laser technology is used in machine tools and mechanical equipment. The "Ekspla" company that exports picosecond lasers and the "Light Conversion" company that produces ultra-high-speed parameter generators account for 50% and 60% of the global market respectively. In 2005, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) installed a picosecond laser equipment produced by the "Ekspla" company in its laboratory to conduct life research on Mars. Swiss watch companies found that the accuracy of the laser equipment in the mechanical cutting process even exceeded the technical standards of Rolex. These facts have strongly proved the outstanding performance and excellent quality of Lithuanian laser products.
2. Main scientific research institutions
1. Department of Quantum Electronics, Vilnius University
The Department of Quantum Electronics at Vilnius University was established in 1974 with Piskarskas as the chief professor. The Laser Research Center was established in 1982. Since 1975, about 300 students have graduated from the department, and more than 35 faculty members have completed the defense of their doctoral dissertations, and 6 of them have obtained doctoral degrees.
At present, the Laser Research Center and the Department of Quantum Electronics are mainly engaged in research and research in the field of lasers (including quantum electronics, laser physics, nonlinear optics, laser spectroscopy, bio-optoelectronics, and laser testing of crystals and coatings, etc.) teaching. It has laboratories engaged in the teaching and research of quantum electronics, nonlinear optics, laser spectrometer and bio-optoelectronics.
2. Institute of Semiconductor Physics
The institute was established in 1967 as a scientific research institution of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. After its establishment, the institute has been conducting research on semiconductors and related technologies in some special fields. Since 1970, the institute has begun to conduct research in other fields (such as the interaction of strong laser rays with matter and the nonlinearity of solids and other compressed media). Optical phenomena) in practice and theory. At present, SPI research activities are mainly concentrated in the following fields: materials science and nanotechnology, ultra-high-speed change processes of semiconductors and superconductors, terahertz technology, information technology, metrology, and the development of national standards.
3. Institute of Physics
The institute was established in 1977. The National Academy of Sciences' research on lasers and optics is concentrated in this institute. At present, the research and development of nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, laser equipment and laser applications have become the four main research directions of the institute. The research activities of the Institute of Nonlinear Optics and Spectroscopy mainly focus on the following aspects: the non-linear optical properties of compressed matter and mist, and the application of this property in obtaining the energy and space-time parameters of short laser pulses, The development of new laser and spectroscopy equipment, the characteristics of strong laser rays and their interaction with substances, etc. Approximately 30 researchers from the institute have completed the defense of their doctoral dissertations in the fields of optics, spectroscopy, and laser technology, and 4 of them have obtained doctoral degrees.
4. Lithuanian Branch of International Optics Committee
The Lithuanian Branch of the International Optical Society, the Lithuanian Optical Society, a branch of the Lithuanian Physical Society, is the main institution for Lithuania to participate in and carry out international scientific research cooperation, and has always maintained its membership of the International Optical Committee. At present, 13 professors and doctors from different laser research institutions have been elected as members of the society.
5. Lithuanian Laser and Light Science and Technology Association
The members of the association include Vilnius University, the Institute of Physics and some laser companies. The association connects scientific research institutions and enterprises to jointly develop laser technology. The association has formulated the goal of the Lilaser Industry Development Strategy Plan: to make the Lilaser Industry’s output value reach at least 1% of Li’s GDP in the next 7-10 years.
3. Current key scientific research projects of Lithuanian optics
(1) High-tech project "Industrial vacuum tube excitation high-brightness laser system" (2003-2006)
The project is sponsored by the National Scientific Research Foundation of Lithuania and is jointly researched and developed by the Department of Quantum Electronics of Vilnius University, the Laboratory of Nonlinear Optics and Spectroscopy of the Institute of Physics, Light Conversion Ltd and Ekspla Ltd.
(2) High-tech project "Optical coating technology with advanced deposition treatment" (2003-2006)
The development of high laser-induced damage threshold and high spectral stability coating technology with advanced deposition treatment is based on ion-assisted deposition and ion column sputtering technology, while the development of high laser-induced damage threshold anti-reflective coating technology is It is based on the sol-gel method used to make lenses and temperature-sensitive crystals.
The project is sponsored by the Lithuanian National Scientific Research Foundation and jointly developed by the Vilnius University Laser Research Center (LRC), the Laboratory of Nonlinear Optics and Spectroscopy of the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Chemistry, Optida Ltd and Ekspla.
The goal of the project is to improve the quality of optical coatings to a level that can meet the current and future needs of lasers and related technologies by integrating the scientific research and technical strengths of Lithuanian research institutions; by improving the quality of coatings and increasing the cost of coatings and equipment Varieties to meet the needs of optical coatings with different characteristics to enhance the competitiveness of Lithuanian laser companies.
4. International cooperation in optical research in Lithuania
(1) The "Integrated Initiative" of the European laser research infrastructure in the EU's sixth framework plan
17 basic laser research institutions in 9 European countries (including the Vilnius University Laser Research Center) and an institution specializing in Internet and database technology research jointly established the European Laser Laboratory (Laserlab-Europe), which was established It was the beginning of the integration of laser research infrastructure (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative).
(2) LASERNET, a coordination network of European laser research foundation institutions
This cooperation network unites the best laser research infrastructure in Europe (including the Vilnius University Laser Research Center), which can advance the concept of laser to new directions and promote the application of optical technology to new fields.
(3) EULASNET network
The network was initiated by EUREKA, a European market-oriented industrial innovation and development network. This network enables cooperation between industry and research institutions across Europe (including the Lithuanian Institute of Physics). EULASNET will help European companies and research organizations find suitable international cooperation and innovation partners. Moreover, the network will also set up a virtual assistance center where information and expertise can be widely exchanged.
5. Major optical companies
1. "EKSPLA" company
Ekspla is the largest laser company in Lithuania. It is currently a well-known manufacturer leading the cutting-edge technology of picosecond lasers and related equipment, and is a leading international system research and development manufacturer in this field. The company has strong scientific research capabilities. The R&D department is composed of more than 80 experienced engineers and laser scientists, of which 45 are physicists and 15 have PhDs. The company develops and produces picosecond pulse lasers, picosecond pulse optical parametric generators, amplifiers, difference frequency devices, and non-linear spectrum measurement systems composed of these light sources as the main components. There are nearly 300 types of products. The company's picosecond lasers have two series-the PL series with a mode-locking mechanism and the SL series with a Jabliouin scattering compression mechanism. Its products are mainly used in scientific research institutions, medicine, biology and precision machinery manufacturing. The company has won numerous customers including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Swiss Watch. As the company's products gather several technical know-how, the company mainly exports finished products. The "Laser Fluoride Sensor for Oil Detection" project undertaken by the company is the first international project funded by the European Union. In 2006, the sales revenue was 28.96 million litres, and the export ratio of products reached 92%. Among them, 30% are exported to Europe, 17% are exported to Japan, and 20% are exported to the United States and Canada. Exports to China account for 13%. The company hopes to continuously expand its sales in the Chinese market and establish a regional sales organization in China in due course.
2. "LIGHT CONVERSION" company
The company was established after leaving the Laser Research Center of Vilnius University in 1994. It is mainly engaged in product research and development, manufacturing and services. It has strong technical force in the field of optical parameter generation and amplification. It can produce "TOPAS ”Series of optical parameter amplifiers and mixers are in the leading position in the world. At present, more than 350 sets of “TOPAS” and “TOPAS-WHITE” systems have been installed all over the world.
3. "STANDA LTD" company
The company was founded in 1987, has its own industrial base and laboratory, and about 55 workshops. In addition to the research and development of optical machinery products (motorized and manual translation and rotation mirror stages, motion controllers, optical stages, vibration isolation systems, optical slides, optical instruments, etc.), the company’s design department can also develop for customers such as original equipment manufacturers other devices. At present, the company is mainly engaged in the research and development of diode lasers. There are 20 agency companies worldwide that sell its products.