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Using physics to better
understand and use materials
Studying the characteristics of materials has captured the attention of
many scientists, especially physicists. The knowledge that researchers gain
from dissecting the properties of materials impacts the lives of people
around the world. In three virtual physics presentations organized in April
and May 2021 by the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study (HKIAS) at the
City University of Hong Kong (CityU), expert scientists discussed the history
and latest advances in understanding atomic-level interactions in glass,
tuning quantum states, and raising the temperature of superconductivity,
all part of the HKIAS Distinguished Lecture Series on Physics. This series is
supported in part by the Kwang Hua Educational Foundation.Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study
Phone: +852-3442-
Email: [email protected]Produced by the Science
Exploring the grand challenge of glass
On April 14, Xun-Li WangóHead and Chair Professor of the Department of
Physics at CityUókicked off this series with a lecture titled ìStructure and Dynamics
of Metallic GlassóAtomistic Insights from Neutron and Synchrotron Scattering
E xper iment s.î
Wang emphasized that understanding materials made of glass is one of the
biggest challenges in science, leading the audience through his atomic-level
findings about the structure of metallic glass and the dynamics of phonons
(elementary heat particles) within it.
Scattering is a powerful technique for studying the
structure and dynamics of glass, Wang noted. ìThis is
an important topic and there are plenty of opportunities
in this field,î he said, while emphasizing the scientific
prospects available in Dongguan, China.Tuning the efficiency of quantum
states
Basing his lecture on the demand for information about
low-dimensional physics theory, Ruiqin ZhangóChair
Professor of Physics and Materials Science and Engineering
at CityUódiscussed ìTuning of Confined Quantum Statesî
on April 28.
ìConfined quantum states open up many possibilities,î
Zhang said. ìWe have been working on engineering these
confined quantum states using different strategies,î he
notedóstrategies that include surface engineering, stress
or strain engineering, and excited-state engineering.
Research in this area facilitates the development of
miniaturized and efficient equipment that uses solar
energy to produce hydrogen. Zhang added that this
research can promote the application of low-dimensional
materials in the fields of optoelectronics, nanoelectronics,
environmental science, green energy, biology, and medicine.Warming up superconductors
In the last lecture of this series on May 12, Wei BaoóChair Professor in the
Department of Physics at CityUódelivered a talk entitled ìLattice, Charge, Spin and
Orbital Aspects of the Iron Chalcogenide Superconductors.îDiscovered in 1911, superconductivityóthe ability of a charge to move through
a material with no electrical resistanceóappears in certain materials at extremely
low temperatures. Bao explained how room-temperature superconductivity ìhas
been a dream for us for many decades.î To find superconductivity at even higher
temperatures, scientists like Bao are studying materials such as iron chalcogenides;
these insulating cuprate ceramics created an Iron Age of superconductors and offer
hope for realizing Baoís dream.A commitment to a better world
HKIAS is committed to advancing CityU and the worldís
academic community by delivering groundbreaking research
and encouraging talented young researchers. In recent years,
the institute has provided a platform for preeminent visiting
scholars to engage in pioneering research and contribute to
postdoctoral and postgraduate training.
To advance the frontiers of interdisciplinary research, HKIAS
is creating research clusters. Three recent clustersóthe HKIAS
Materials Science Cluster, the HKIAS Bioscience Cluster, and
the HKIAS Mathematics Clusteróencourage collaboration
and deliver high-quality research. Led by HKIAS senior
fellows, each cluster addresses a significant problem or set
of interrelated questions through individual and collective
research. Serving as incubators for larger and longer-term
collaborations, the clusters aim to attract external funding and
generate significant results. They also enrich the instituteís
distinctive intellectual community through partnerships that
spark new approaches and findings, as well as facilitating the
mentoring of junior scholars.
To make the world a better place, HKIAS will keep delivering
pioneering research and nurturing young, talented scholars
across disciplinesódriving the development of CityU and of
science education across the globe.PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HKIASXun-Li WangRuiqin ZhangWei BaoProfessor Ruiqin Zhang
Chair Professor of Physics, Cit yUProfessor Xun-Li Wang
Head of Depar tment and
Chair Professor of Physics, Cit yU
Professor Wei Bao
Chair Professor of Physics, Cit yU0709Product.indd 131 6/30/21 7:28 AM