MIT Imports Tax-Free Quantum Lasers from China for Atom-Smashing Fun!
Published Date: 3/28/2025
Notice
Summary
MIT got the green light to bring in two super cool lasers from China without paying import taxes because no similar lasers are made in the U.S. These lasers will help scientists do cutting-edge experiments in quantum physics and precision measurements starting now. This means faster progress in atomic clocks and exploring new physics, all while saving money on import fees!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
MIT approved for 1695 nm laser
The Department of Commerce approved duty-free entry for Massachusetts Institute of Technology to import a narrow linewidth laser (FL-SF-1695-0.5.-CW) manufactured by Shanghai Precilaser Technology, Co., Ltd., China. The laser will be used in quantum physics experiments at MIT for improved optical atomic clocks and precision measurement using ytterbium, per the March 20, 2025 decision.
MIT cleared to import low-noise laser
The Department approved duty-free entry for Massachusetts Institute of Technology to import a low noise laser system from Shanghai Precilasers Technology Co., Ltd., China for creating ultracold sodium-potassium molecules in optical dipole traps, per the March 20, 2025 decision.
Harvard seed laser approved for training
The Department approved duty-free entry for Harvard University to import a narrow linewidth seed laser (1 nm at 1591 nm) from Shanghai Precilasers Technology Co., Ltd., China. The seed laser will be doubled to 795 nm for laser cooling and trapping experiments and is used in research that includes training graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral research fellows, per the March 20, 2025 decision.
University of Michigan wave generator cleared
The Department approved duty-free entry for the University of Michigan to import a Wave Generator System manufactured by Van Halteren Technologies Boxtel BV, Netherlands, to study ship motions in water waves and model-scale ocean waves, per the March 20, 2025 decision.
UChicago fiber laser duty-free entry
The Department approved duty-free entry for the University of Chicago to import a fiber laser from PreciLasers, China, for use in the CeNTREX cold molecular Nuclear Time-Reversal Experiment, a collaborative physics project with multiple universities and Argonne National Laboratory, per the March 20, 2025 decision.
UC Santa Barbara laser amplifier approved
The Department approved duty-free entry for the University of California, Santa Barbara to import a low noise laser amplifier from Shanghai Precilaser Technology Co., Ltd., China, to produce 100 W output power seeded by a 100 nW 1064 nm laser for cold lithium-7 atom experiments, per the March 20, 2025 decision.
Harvard high-power fiber amplifier approved
The Department approved duty-free entry for Harvard University to import a high power (30 W) single frequency fiber amplifier system at 1908 nm from Connet Laser Technology Co., Ltd., China, to be used for optical tweezer trapping of rubidium-87 atoms and to allow control of many more atoms than previously demonstrated, per the March 20, 2025 decision.
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