World’s largest laser crystal could help China strike satellites

Chinese scientists at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science have developed the world’s largest barium gallium selenide (BGSe) crystal, measuring 60 millimeters in diameter, designed to enhance long-range laser systems and infrared sensing technologies. This synthetic crystal can convert short-wave infrared lasers into mid- to far-infrared beams, which travel longer distances through the atmosphere with minimal loss. Notably, the crystal withstands laser energy intensities up to 550 megawatts per square centimeter—about ten times higher than most current military-grade materials—making it suitable for ultra-high-power laser applications that previously failed due to internal damage. The creation of this crystal involved a decade of precise, controlled processes, including high-temperature melting, slow cooling, annealing, and meticulous polishing to ensure optical clarity and structural integrity. While the research paper does not explicitly confirm military use, the timing and capabilities of the crystal align with China’s growing interest in directed-energy weapons and space defense, suggesting potential applications