January 21, 2025
Researchers from Oakland University have made a significant breakthrough in the field of optical materials, unveiling the exceptional capabilities of Ba₃(ZnB₅O₁₀)PO₄ (BZBP). Although this transparent crystal closely resembles ordinary window glass, it exhibits extraordinary properties that set it apart from others.
Already renowned for its exceptional qualities, such as excellent heat dissipation, minimal uneven expansion when exposed to temperature changes, and the ability to transmit ultraviolet light (a type of light that comes from the sun and other sources like special lamps, but it’s invisible to the human eye), BZBP has emerged as an ideal choice for laser systems operating in deep ultraviolet ranges. These systems are crucial in fields like medical diagnostics, semiconductor production, and cutting-edge scientific research.
In a study recently published in Advanced Functional Materials, one of the leading journals in materials science, researchers explored how BZBP performs under extreme pressure.
Utilizing cutting-edge techniques like synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, the team discovered that BZBP remains remarkably stable up to 43 Gigapascals (GPa) ‑‑ a pressure almost 400,000 times greater than Earth’s atmospheric pressure at sea level.
“I am particularly excited about the potential applications of this research and the opportunities it opens for further exploration in extreme-condition optical systems,” said OU Physics Professor Dr. Yuejian Wang.
According to Wang, the study published in Advanced Functional Materials was significant for several reasons, including:
• The extraordinary stability of BZBP under high pressures significantly expands its potential applications. This includes advanced optical systems operating in extreme environments, such as deep-space exploration and high-energy physics experiments.
• The study also provided critical insights into the material’s atomic structure under pressure and detailed measurements of its bulk modulus (110 GPa), a key indicator of its resistance to compression. These findings shed light on the mechanisms driving BZBP’s impressive durability.
“This groundbreaking research underscores our university’s leadership in cutting-edge materials science,” Wang said. “Published in one of the most prestigious journals in the field, this work represents a major step forward in developing next-generation laser technologies. Stay tuned for more innovations as this discovery paves the way for advancements in materials science and optical systems.”
To learn more, visit https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202412747.