Early Development Of Chinese Semiconductor Lasers (1963-1980)

Semiconductor Laser is an important source for optical communication, and the invention of double heterojunction lasers which could operate for long hours at room temperature is the mark of its practical application in optical fiber communication systems. This thesis attempts to explore the development of semiconductor lasers in China from1963to1980as four stages:Invention Started (1963-1964). In the second half of1963, the researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Semiconductors and Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics began to develop Semiconductor lasers, and achieved success in a few months.Rapid Development (1964-1966). Semiconductor lasers became a key research project in1956-1967Science and Technology Development Plan in1963. To develop Chinese semiconductor lasers, researchers built communication platforms, organized excellent teams and adopted the method of literature index.Proceeding Slackened (1967-1975).Semiconductor laser got a good result because of its standing of one of the military programs while the Cultural Revolution influencing the development of science and technology in China negatively. Practical Application(1976-1980). The appearance of double heterojunction laser which could operate for long hours at room temperature in1980played an important role in the development of optical fiber communication systems. Besides, this thesis also analyzes the research background, the research achievements, the professional organizations, the academic communication, and the technological gaps between China and overseas of the development of semiconductor lasers, and summarizes the characteristics of its development during1963-1980. The early development of semiconductor lasers was a consequence of its own feature, Science and Technology Development Plans, and academic communications, which indicate the tortuous course from the invention of technology to its application.Although the research achievements are different from people’s expected, the potential of semiconductor lasers’ application in optical information science and technology is still strategically important. China’s early scheme, including institute establishment and research team organization, laid scientific foundation for semiconductor lasers’rapid development.This thesis is based on the abundant archives, English and Chinese reference materials, and the interview transcription of academicians, which guarantee the reliability of this study.