A photo rendering of the fluorides optical crystal manufacturing project in Haimen district, Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily] 

The construction of an optical crystal manufacturing project by Shanghai Desioptoe commenced on Jan 6. With a total investment of 500 million yuan ($71.81 million), it marks a major capital increase and capacity expansion for the company since its establishment in Haimen in 2023. 

The project plans to cover a total construction area of 45,000 square meters, including a comprehensive office building, standardized production facilities, specialized warehouses, and supporting infrastructure. 

It also aims to establish a high-level optical crystal research institute, which will collaborate with well-known domestic universities and research institutions to engage in multi-process route research and industrialization technology breakthroughs surrounding key crystal materials. 

Once completed, the project is expected to produce 150 metric tons of deep ultraviolet fluorides annually and foster the conglomeration of upstream and downstream industries related to semiconductor lithography and laser equipment in Haimen, thus contributing to the creation of a complete industrial ecosystem locally. 

Shanghai Desioptoe has long focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of high-end optical materials and devices. It has achieved technological breakthroughs in various fluorides, such as calcium fluoride and magnesium fluoride, as well as doped crystal materials. 

The company's core products have reached international advanced standards and are widely used in cutting-edge fields such as semiconductor lithography inspection and deep ultraviolet lasers.