Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 129：Breakthrough

Lao Gao, having identified the critical factors of light and temperature, conducted a series of experiments and ultimately pinpointed light exposure as the decisive element.

Using a flashlight to simulate sunlight, he directed it onto the reflective area of the single crystal furnace. Finally, he succeeded in refining silicon wafers with a purity of 99.01%. Moreover, he discovered that the purity varied within a range of 99.01% to 99.09%, depending on the intensity of the light.

When the team learned of Lao Gao's breakthrough, they rushed into his laboratory, eager to hear his explanation of the principles of light exposure. He conducted three experiments in front of them, and as expected, the purity of the silicon wafers ranged between 99.01% and 99.09%. Witnessing the results firsthand, the team was elated. After six months of stagnation, their silicon wafer purity had finally surpassed the 99% mark! With Lao Gao's discovery, they were confident that, if they continued in this direction, it wouldn't be long before they could achieve even higher purities.

With the combination of the breakthrough in silicon wafer purity and the ongoing advancements in the photolithography department, the production of 17-nanometer photolithography machines and chips seemed within reach. Excitement ran high, and they couldn't contain their enthusiasm.

"Lao Gao, you're amazing!"
"You're the hero of our silicon wafer department!"
"This is fantastic! Haha..."

Meanwhile, Ding Haibo, the supervisor of the silicon wafer department, who had been conducting experiments in the next room, heard the jubilant cheers. He quickly approached, his face stern.

"What's going on here? This is a laboratory, no loud noise!"

Over the past few months, Ding had felt immense pressure. While the photolithography department seemed to be making major breakthroughs, his own team had made no progress for half a year.

Seeing Ding Haibo, the team immediately began shouting, "Ding Supervisor, good news!"
"We've had a breakthrough!"
"Lao Gao has achieved 99.09% purity in silicon wafers!"
"We've finally broken through!"

From the flood of excited voices, Ding Haibo quickly grasped the significance of their words. He pulled a researcher aside.

"What did you say? We've achieved 99.09% purity in silicon wafers?"
"Yes, Ding Supervisor! Look, here's the test report!"

Ding snatched the report and scrutinized it. Sure enough, it showed a silicon wafer purity of 99.09%. He then checked several more test reports, all confirming the purity exceeded 99%.

With trembling hands, Ding Haibo murmured, "We've done it! Finally, we've done it!"
"Who made this discovery?"
"It's Lao Gao! He made the breakthrough!"

Lao Gao then recounted the entire process of his discovery. Ding Haibo, thrilled by the seemingly coincidental breakthrough, immediately directed Lao Gao to prepare for a team meeting, where he would present his findings to the entire research group.

As soon as the meeting started, the team was overjoyed by the breakthrough and immediately devised six research plans. Ding Haibo divided the researchers into six groups to explore each plan simultaneously. Once they identified a feasible option, they would focus their efforts on perfecting it. Ding was confident that they would soon be able to achieve even higher purity levels for the silicon wafers.

That afternoon, Ding Haibo shared the news with Director Zhang. Upon hearing the great news, Zhang was filled with excitement. He hadn't expected that, alongside the photolithography breakthrough, their silicon wafer technology would advance as well. This would bring them closer to completing the task assigned by the higher-ups.

Meanwhile, at the Kyoto No. 3 Research Institute's photolithography department, 80 researchers, including Mr. Qiao and Jiang Fan, were busy working diligently in an atmosphere of urgency and order. In the beginning, many of the team members had struggled with the high-pressure, closed research environment led by Jiang Fan. They were confined to the laboratory 24 hours a day, with meals delivered to them, and makeshift beds for rest. The work was grueling, with everyone getting only 3-4 hours of sleep each night. This intense schedule proved unsustainable for many.

However, when they saw the boundless energy of Xia Xiaoyu, Xu Guangyuan, and Niu Xu, who seemed fueled by an unyielding spirit, their own determination was reignited. Even more astonishing was how efficiently the trio completed Jiang Fan's assignments—outpacing even the most seasoned researchers in the lab. These three were still students, new to photolithography, which made their accomplishments even more humbling for the veteran researchers.

Once everyone witnessed their ability, no one dared to underestimate them. If there were ever any confusion about Jiang Fan's instructions, they would ask for the trio's assistance.

During the past ten days, Mr. Qiao had also been exhausted, as he was in his fifties and the workload was taking a toll on him. But seeing the immense progress made under Jiang Fan's leadership, with the 7-nanometer photolithography machine nearing completion, he remained exhilarated.

"Chief Qiao, you should take a break," a researcher suggested.
"I'm fine, I'm not tired!"
"Look at your dark circles; you're starting to look like a panda!"
"We're about to succeed! How can I sleep now?"

Mr. Qiao, his face alight with excitement, glanced at Jiang Fan, who was busy inspecting the equipment. A wave of satisfaction washed over him. He never imagined that, under Jiang Fan's guidance, the team would be on the verge of completing a 7-nanometer photolithography machine in just ten days. The speed of their progress was truly astonishing and would no doubt shock the scientific community.

After Jiang Fan finished his inspection, Mr. Qiao approached him.

"Jiang Fan, how are you holding up? Is your body still coping?"
Jiang Fan patted his chest confidently, "No problem!"
"Youth is truly a gift!" Mr. Qiao said, full of admiration. While others, after ten days of sleepless nights, would be exhausted and worn out, Jiang Fan remained as energetic and sharp as ever.

What Mr. Qiao didn't know was that Jiang Fan had been taking special "night-working capsules" as rewards from the system, which kept him refreshed.

"How long until the photolithography machine is ready?" Mr. Qiao asked.
"About ten more hours," Jiang Fan replied.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Qiao's excitement was palpable. He turned to the team, "Everyone, just ten more hours, and our 7-nanometer photolithography machine will be completed!"

The team responded with high spirits, their energy renewed, "Let's do it!"