Preface
"Dragons give birth to dragons, phoenixes give birth to phoenixes, and the sons of mice will make holes." But Yuan Shikai's grandson, Yuan Jialiu, broke this common saying. He is not only a famous family, but also a well-known expert in nuclear physics, who has single-handedly saved China from many years of detours in the field of high-energy physics. His life is full of legends, from his deep interest in science to his outstanding achievements in the scientific community at home and abroad, Yuan Jialiu used knowledge and wisdom to compose a magnificent chapter of family glory and personal struggle. Next, let's step into the world of this scientific giant and explore his growth footprints and scientific research path.
An outstanding scientist who came out of a prominent family
Yuan Jialiu, this name may be a little unfamiliar to most people, but his grandfather Yuan Shikai is a well-known historical figure. However, Yuan Jialiu did not live under the shadow of his ancestors, he chose a completely different path - science.
Yuan Jialiu was born in Anyang, Henan Province in 1912, although he was born in a famous family, he is not a gentleman. On the contrary, he was obsessed with science from an early age, and this love laid the foundation for him to become a great scientist later. He spent his childhood in Tianjin, where the enlightenment education not only gave him a solid academic foundation, but also served as a key that opened his curiosity about the world of science.
In middle school, he entered Tianjin Nankai Middle School and then transferred to Tianjin Xinxue Academy, these two learning experiences were like a gas station for his scientific journey, allowing him to learn scientific knowledge more systematically and also made him have a strong interest in physics. Soon after, he was admitted to the School of Engineering of Tianjin Technology and Business University, but his love for physics led him to transfer to the Department of Physics of Yenching University two years later, where he studied under the great physicist Xie Yuming. At Yenching University, he not only achieved outstanding academic results, but also actively participated in various activities, and can be said to be a popular figure on campus.
After graduating, he did not stop, but chose to continue his studies and pursue a master's degree. Not only did he excel academically, but he also developed a keen interest in radio. In his spare time, he taught himself radio knowledge, and this studious spirit is really admirable!
Two years later, he got a valuable opportunity to study at the California Institute of Technology in the United States. There, he was exposed to more cutting-edge physics, especially high-energy physics. This period of study was like a shot in the arm for his scientific journey, giving him a deeper understanding of high-energy physics.
In 1940, he received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology, where he studied a wide range of fields, including radio, high-energy physics, and high-energy accelerators. He also joined the physics research team of the Faculty and began his research career. His job is not only to sit at his desk and do the math, but also to design experiments and analyze data himself.
Outstanding scientist in the development of radio technology
Yuan Jialiu, an outstanding physicist, has had a colorful life journey. In 1942, he left Caltech and joined the American Radio Corporation Laboratories to begin his new journey. Here, he not only continued to deepen his research in the field of high-energy physics, but also dabbled in the development of radio-directed detection and frequency modulation radar systems, which is really remarkable!
What's the use, you may ask? I tell you, his work took radio technology to the next level at that time! Although he was abroad, he has always been concerned about the scientific and technological development of his motherland, and has returned to China many times for exchanges and lectures, and has worked hard to promote the development of domestic high-energy physics research. He is like a hard-working gardener, carefully cultivating the soil for the development of domestic science and technology.
Later, Yuan joined Brookhaven National Laboratory and began research work for more than ten years. Here, he was at home and worked his way up from assistant physicist to senior physicist. He has been involved in the design and construction of several high-energy accelerators, which are important tools for scientific research. Just like the electric drills, cutting machines and other tools in our daily life, it helps scientists to better conduct experimental research.
In addition to research in the field of high-energy physics, Yuan Jialiu also actively explored the possibility of transitive radiation as a detector for high-energy particles. That's an innovative idea! In the same way that we use our mobile phones to detect WiFi signals, such detectors can help scientists better observe and study particles.
With the passage of time, Yuan's research in the field of high-energy physics has become more and more in-depth. He successfully demonstrated the resonance between π mesons and protons through precise π-p scattering experiments. What does this mean? To put it simply, there is a special interaction between these two particles, just like the tacit cooperation between two people when they dance. This discovery is a major breakthrough in the field of high-energy physics!
Yuan Jialiu has not only made remarkable achievements in scientific research, but also actively promoted international scientific exchanges and cooperation. He has visited CERN several times to share his research results and experiences with his international counterparts. These exchange activities not only enhanced his academic influence, but also established a good image for the scientific community of his motherland in the world.
After retiring, Yuan Jialiu did not stop his scientific research. He served as a visiting professor in the Soviet Union and France, and continued to contribute to the development of physics. At the same time, he also participated in the development of accelerators in Beijing and other places, and promoted the successful completion of these projects. He is like a tireless traveler, constantly exploring the boundaries and possibilities of science.
A dedicated scientific research giant and educator
Imagine that in 1981, Yuan Jialiu was like an industrious bee, constantly flying between the mainland and Taiwan. Why? He was busy participating in the construction of the third-generation synchrotron radiation accelerator. This technology is as important as the mobile phones we use now, and he knows this very well, so he has invested a lot of effort.
Not long after, Yuan Jialiu was invited by the University of Paris in France to be a visiting professor there. In France, he not only participated in many academic discussions, but also took the opportunity to learn international advanced scientific research methods, and then brought these methods back to China to help our country's scientific research level to a higher level.
Later, Yuan Jialiu was elected as the chairman of the steering committee of the Taiwan Synchrotron Radiation Research Center. This position is not a joke, it represents Yuan Jialiu's lofty status in the academic world, and it also means that he has to shoulder heavier responsibilities. Under his leadership, the center soon became an internationally renowned scientific research institution.
In the next few years, Yuan Jialiu was like a superstar in the field of scientific research, playing an important role not only at home but also abroad. His academic achievements are very high, and he has also worked hard to promote academic exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries, injecting new vitality into our country's scientific research.
Finally, one day, Yuan Jialiu returned to his ancestral home of China and was warmly welcomed by everyone. He visited many scientific research institutions and chatted with his domestic counterparts. His arrival is like a shot in the arm for our country's high-energy physics research.
Later, he and his wife Wu Chien-shiung jointly established the "Wu Chien-shiung Yuan Jialiu Natural Science Foundation" to support scientific research and education at home and abroad. Unfortunately, Mrs. Wu Chien-shiung died of illness in 1997, which was a big blow to Yuan Jialiu. But he was not defeated, but turned his grief into strength and continued to devote himself to scientific research.
Despite getting older, Yuan's love for science has not diminished at all. He often participates in various academic conferences to share his experience and insights with younger generations. His lectures are always enjoyable and loved by the students.
Until 2001, Yuan Jialiu's physical condition had some problems, and he was hospitalized with a heart attack at a meeting. But you know what? Even from his hospital bed, he was concerned about the development of science, keeping in touch with his peers by phone and letter.
After a period of recuperation, Yuan Jialiu's health improved a little. In 2002, he returned to scientific research and continued to contribute to high-energy physics. He actively participates in academic exchange activities at home and abroad to promote international cooperation in physics. At the same time, he is particularly concerned about the growth of young scientists, and often provides them with guidance and assistance.
Regrettably, on February 11, 2003, Mr. Yuan Jialiu passed away in Beijing at the age of 91. Although he is no longer with us, his contributions to the field of high-energy physics will always be remembered. In the last moments of his life, he still maintained his love for science and deep affection for his country. His passing is a great loss to the scientific community, but his spirit and dedication will always inspire us to move forward.
epilogue
Yuan Jialiu, who came from a prominent background but was not trapped by the glory of his family, pursued scientific truth all his life and became an outstanding physicist. He not only made outstanding achievements in academics, but also actively promoted scientific exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries, and made great contributions to the scientific research of the motherland. The foundation he set up has supported numerous scientific research projects and nurtured the next generation of scientists. Yuan Lao's death is a loss to the scientific community, but his spirit and contribution endure. After reading Yuan Jialiu's story, do you also feel the power of science and the perseverance of scientists? Welcome to leave a comment, let's pay tribute to this great scientist together.