1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 641 Cosmic Rays! Top-Tier Research! A Beginning Nobel Prize! The Rise of Borneo! An Arms Race in the Scientific Field!

Borneo, Institute of Physics.

As an institute personally led by Li Qiwei, it is built to be even more luxurious and grand than the quantum research institute in the UK.

Not only does it occupy a larger area, but it also has a full six floors.

Standing at the window of his office on the sixth floor, Lee Qiwei could easily overlook the entire city of Kuching and gaze at the South China Sea in the distance.

“Doing research here makes me feel better.”

He now has several offices, each with a different function.

He received various inspection teams and exchange groups from abroad at the Wuyuan Pavilion.

Here, he will be thinking about the future plans for the entire continent of Borneo.

He organized internal meetings of the Borneo Academy of Sciences, the Pangu Project, and other organizations at his home.

Various academic conferences and discussions were organized, and the City of Science even had a special place built for him.

As for the Institute of Physics, it is a place dedicated to research.

He would also frequently visit other institutes, such as the Institute of Atomic Science.

In addition, Li Qiwei would take time every two weeks to teach at Whampoa Polytechnic University, where he also has an office.

He demanded that all tenured professors:

"We must teach undergraduate students!"

"At least once a month."

These are the rules, and no one can violate them.

Even though Qian Wushi and others were extremely busy, they still insisted on this habit.

At first, some people were puzzled, so Li Qiwei explained:

“You are not only teaching undergraduates, but also teaching yourselves.”

"If you stay away from the most fundamental concepts of physics for too long, your research will become like a rootless duckweed."

Although some people may not understand the meaning of the following sentence, absolutely no one dares to defy the principal's authority.

Besides, if the principal can still find time despite his busy schedule, how can anyone else say they're too busy?

At this moment, on the third floor of the Institute of Physics.

After a few days, Zhao Zhongyao has fully adapted to life here.

Although he did not become Professor Li's student as he had hoped, he became Professor Deng Huaining's doctoral student instead.

But he was already satisfied.

Anyway, Professor Li is upstairs, so even if it's not a large group meeting, he can still go and ask him for advice.

Moreover, Professor Deng is also a Nobel Prize laureate in physics and is now a leading figure in the field of low-temperature physics.

Teaching a complete undergraduate like him is more than enough.

In addition, during his time at the Institute of Atomic Science, he also pioneered many new directions, such as atomic research.

Just as Zhao Zhongyao was pondering what research topic Professor Deng would give him.

Deng Huaining smiled and said to him:

"Zhongyao, you're quite the lad, you even have secrets I don't know about."

"My teacher told me that he has a new research project that needs someone to do it, and he specifically asked me to do it."

Wow!
Zhao Zhongyao was first shocked, then deeply moved.

He knew the reason, of course, because he had personally gone to see Professor Li.

The other party did not directly say that they wanted to take him as a student.

But now, Professor Li is so concerned about him.

Zhao Zhongyao did not hide anything and quickly told everyone what had happened before.

After listening, Deng Huaining suddenly understood.

"No wonder."

"It seems you've left a very deep impression on the teacher."

"Unfortunately, you weren't very lucky and didn't become the teacher's student directly."

Zhao Zhongyao asked, somewhat embarrassed:

"Professor Deng, is what I did inappropriate, and has it put Professor Li in a difficult position?"

If he had known beforehand that Professor Li wasn't planning to take on any more students, he definitely wouldn't have been so reckless in coming to his door.

Deng Huaining laughed loudly and said:

"Young man, what are you thinking about?"

"Do you think Professor Li is someone who would care about your petty schemes?"

“Taking on a doctoral student is just a teacher’s personal choice, but guiding you is a contribution the teacher makes to China, a responsibility he takes on voluntarily.”

"It doesn't matter whose student you are, what matters most is how much you learn."

Zhao Zhongyao was immediately filled with respect.

He finally realized that his thinking was too narrow.

Throughout China, countless people would like to use the title of Professor Li's direct disciple as a passport to scientific research.

Little did they know that in Professor Li's eyes, everyone was the same.

"Professor Li is the mentor who enlightened us all, and the mentor of Chinese science!"

Spread the way of science!
To teach the science of physics!
Resolving the Confusion of a Powerful Nation!
Deng Huaining patted him on the shoulder and smiled:
"Doing good research is the most important thing."

"Just go straight to the sixth floor."

"After the teacher assigns you a topic, come back and discuss it with me."

Zhao Zhongyao, with his clear mind, nodded solemnly.

Then, he immediately went up to the sixth floor.

Inside the office.

Li Qiwei got straight to the point:

"Zhongyao, have you ever heard of the term particle physics?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhongyao thought for a moment and said:
"It seems to be a concept you mentioned at the Bruce conference."

"You believe that the existing protons, neutrons, electrons, photons, and other particles are not the entirety of elementary particles."

"There must be other kinds of fundamental particles in the universe."

Li Qiwei nodded in satisfaction.

"Not bad, it seems you have a wide range of interests."

"The research topic I'm giving you is related to particle physics."

"Although nuclear physics is currently the most popular research area, there is already an atomic research institute."

"Therefore, I want to explore some new areas."

"Zhongyao, you don't have any objections, do you?"

“If you are also interested in studying nuclear physics, I can transfer you to Yu Yin’s place.”

Zhao Zhongyao quickly waved his hand.

"Professor, I am still in the learning stage and do not have enough ability to judge various options."

"So I trust your arrangements for me."

Just kidding, Zhao Zhongyao isn't stupid at all.

If Professor Li assigns him a research topic and he still complains, then he's simply ungrateful.

Physics is not just nuclear physics.

Li Qiwei laughed:
"Good, you have a very calm mindset."

"Actually, you don't need to worry. If you do this project well, it will be very promising."

"In my view, nuclear physics is actually only a part of particle physics."

"Because it only studies the internal structure of atoms."

"In my conception of particle physics, elementary particles can not only form atoms, but also other microscopic structures."

"At that time, a completely new theory may be needed to explain these phenomena."

Wow!
After finishing a bowl of chicken soup, Zhao Zhongyao felt his blood boiling and his whole body full of energy.

He rediscovered that long-lost feeling!
Stay at the forefront of science and explore the limits of human cognition!

This is the fundamental physics research he pursues!

Only Professor Li could give him this opportunity.

Particle physics is currently shrouded in mystery.

Behind the fog may lie a scientific desert, or it may lie an oasis of truth.

However, with Professor Li around, Zhao Zhongyao was confident that he would not get lost.

Suddenly, he asked, "Professor, you said that particle physics needs a completely new theoretical description. Isn't quantum mechanics enough?"

"Now everyone says that the feast of theoretical physics has been ended by quantum mechanics."

"Therefore, more and more people are switching to experimental physics."

Li Qiwei smiled slightly.

"Today, I'm going to teach you your first lesson."

"Always approach science with the mindset of an apprentice."

"The viewpoint you expressed is nothing but the arrogant talk of some ignorant and presumptuous people."

"I ask you, can existing physical theories explain all phenomena in the universe?"

Zhao Zhongyao shook his head.

Obviously impossible.

"That means it's not the end yet."

Li Qiwei suddenly sighed in a low voice:

"Even I am searching for it."

Zhao Zhongyao was instantly moved.

He sensed an incredibly sincere and unwavering heart.

Then, Li Qiwei returned to the main topic.

"The best way to find new particles right now is through cosmic rays."

“Even cosmic rays themselves are a huge subject of physics.”

"Professor Millikan's team in the United States and Professor Rutherford's team in the United Kingdom are both conducting research in this area."

"When you get back, you can read more of their related papers."

Zhao Zhongyao knew that these two were both leading experts in experimental physics with extremely broad research interests.

"The task I'm giving you is to use cloud chambers to study the composition and properties of cosmic rays."

"However, my topic is different from theirs."

"I hope you can consider modifying the cloud chamber, for example, by adding a strong magnetic field, so that it can better detect those weaker rays."

“These are areas that few people have explored before.”

"Borneo is closer to the equator and receives lower energy cosmic rays."

"Therefore, we need to think of some special methods."

Zhao Zhongyao kept taking notes with his pen, feeling utterly impressed.

He felt that Professor Li in front of him was extremely knowledgeable.

For example, he had never heard of the relationship between the intensity of cosmic rays and equatorial latitude.

Really scary!
He realized how incredibly lucky he was.

Professor Li has almost completely outlined his research framework.

As long as he's not a complete failure, graduating with a doctorate is practically a certainty.

As for what level of results he can discover, that depends on his effort; no one can help him with that.

The more cosmic rays we observe, the greater the chance of discovering new phenomena, and perhaps even new particles.

Li Qiwei and Zhao Zhongyao discussed for a full hour.

This made the latter feel that he benefited greatly.

Finally, Li Qiwei gave the following instructions:

"If you encounter any problems in the experiment, ask your supervisor first."

"If you can't solve it, then come back to me."

Zhao Zhongyao nodded solemnly, then left.

Watching his departing figure, Li Qiwei felt a surge of emotion.

In real history, when Zhao Zhongyao went to the United States to study and pursued his doctorate under Millikan, the topic Millikan gave him was a rather uninteresting one.

What does that mean?

The theoretical and predictive results are already available; all that's needed is to supplement them with more sets of material data.

However, thanks to his meticulousness and rigor, Zhao Zhongyao managed to discover something extraordinary in this seemingly simple subject.

He discovered that the absorption of hard gamma rays and matter does not conform to the Klein-Nenko formula.

At the time, no one could explain this anomaly.

Unfortunately, due to reasons in China, Zhao Zhongyao was unable to continue his research project and had to return to China.

Thus, he missed out on the special honor of being the first person in human history to discover antimatter.

However, in this life, the challenge Li Qiwei gave Zhao Zhongyao was definitely the most challenging one.

Because the starting point is the Nobel Prize.

He believed that with the other party's qualifications, they would surely achieve results that would shock the world.

And this is just the beginning.

Antimatter is just one piece of the puzzle in particle physics.
-
After returning to his office, Zhao Zhongyao immediately used the vast resources of the Science City to find a lot of information about cosmic rays.

He didn't rush into research; instead, he planned to digest this basic knowledge first.

Sharpening knives does not miss woodcutters.

"Oh, so the paper Professor Li mentioned about the relationship between ray intensity and latitude comes from this paper."

"My God, there was even a big debate about the nature of cosmic rays."

"It was finally determined that cosmic rays are not electromagnetic waves, but rather a collection of charged high-energy particles."

"As for how many types of particles are in the radiation, no one knows at the moment."

"Cosmic rays are accelerated by the magnetic field of stars and have very high energy; they can even be used as bombardment rays."

"."

Zhao Zhongyao constantly absorbs various kinds of knowledge, and his research life is fulfilling and joyful.

At the same time, Ma Yucheng also embarked on his novel journey to become a biology PhD.

It was only after arriving here that he realized how vast biology truly is.

The resources of Borneo are unimaginable in mainland China.

What made him happiest was that Professor Li valued biology very much.

On the day of the ceremony held at the Institute of Biology, Professor Li even attended in person to encourage everyone.

He said:
"If the 20th century was the era of physics."

"Then I dare say that the 21st century will be the century of biology!"

"Everything you are doing now is building up strength for the future!"

"Your names will appear in future biology textbooks!"

Upon hearing this, Ma Yucheng was deeply moved and greatly encouraged.

During the Q&A session, he mustered up his courage and asked:

"Professor Li, what do you think are some promising directions in the field of biology right now?"

Li Qiwei said:
"I was once sick in Europe."

"That experience made me realize that humanity urgently needs an antibiotic that can effectively kill bacteria."

"Unfortunately, existing antibiotics have various problems and cannot be used on a large scale."

"The variety of microorganisms in nature is astounding. Can we find some inspiration from them?"

It was that question that planted a seed in Ma Yucheng's heart.

With the major research institutes on track, the city of science has become increasingly attractive, and has become the science center of Asia.

Rigvii then began to focus his attention on the Institute for Atomic Energy and Alpha Labs.

The former has the cyclotron he has been longing for.

It is not only closely related to the theory of everything.

In its early stages, cyclotrons were even closely linked to the development of nuclear weapons.

It can verify the calculation results of some theories of nuclear fission.

The latter was working on the first generation of computers, which would later become famous for their vacuum tubes as the core component.

Even second-generation transistors have been listed as a pre-research project.

With the help of computers, the research on Project Pangu will be greatly enhanced.

Rigvii's return seems to have sparked a competition between Borneo and Europe and America in the field of science.

From basic science to applied technology, a sweeping transformation is about to begin.

(End of this chapter)