Good News｜硬核！广东以色列理工学院陈林泓同学学术论文被国际物理期刊收录
广东以色列理工学院材料科学与工程专业本科三年级学生陈林泓以第一作者在国际物理期刊《物理学报B：原子、分子与光学物理》（Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics）上发表学术论文，题为《极限电荷下单激发态的双电子原子的渐进量子亏损研究》。该期刊由IOP出版集团在英国出版，近三年平均影响因子（Impact Factor）为2.009，属中科院SCI分区物理大类三区期刊。广东以色列理工学院访问教授Jacob Katriel为本文通讯作者。
针对这一学术成果，广以君近期采访了陈同学。让我们来看看“大牛”是怎样炼成的吧？
陈林泓
2017级材料科学与工程专业本科生
当前平均学分绩点（GPA）：95.15
位列本专业年级第1
2017年高考总分604分（广东）
这项研究是怎么开始的呢？
一切要从大二上学期的学习开始讲起，在大二上学期我上了Jacob Katriel教授主讲的《量子化学》课程，或许是因为我上课比较认真，课后也经常思考教授留下的问题、时常与教授探讨，在课程考试中我也取得比较好的成绩，Jacob教授对我比较有印象。课程结束后，Jacob教授给我发来邮件，邀请我参加他一个项目，是有关计算极限电荷下的类氦原子能量。虽然我对这个课题了解不深，但我意识到这会是一个极好的学习机会，于是我在得到家人的支持后，加入了项目，抓住了Jacob教授给我的宝贵机会。并在之后的学习中查阅一些相关资料，加深对课题的了解，为正式开始学习打好基础。而后在2019年的暑假期间，我留在学校，在Jacob教授的指导下，正式开始加入研究工作。我针对这个课题学习了两个月，主要内容是理论背景知识和计算机编程技术。而后受Jacob教授推荐，由学校经费支持，我和James S. Wright博士一起前往俄罗斯杜布纳联合核子研究所向Vladimir I. Korobov教授学习，为期约2周。Korobov教授那里有一套他自己开发的计算软件，能够对对我们所需要的系统的能量进行非常高精度的计算。我在那里借助Korobov教授的这个软件，对类氦原子的几个单激发态进行了一系列能量计算，并将核电荷推到极限状态。在这个过程中我帮助Jacob教授计算他所需要的数据，Jacob教授通过分析我的数据，验证了关于在极限电荷情形下类氦原子能量变化的一些猜想，并从中也得到一些新的、有趣的信息。其实，我对这篇论文的贡献仅仅是提供了数据，还有程序使用的部分的原稿，其他的分析、背景等等的论文内容均是由Jacob教授写的，教授愿意邀请我参与他的项目、花心思指导我，我十分感激他。
· 以色列理工学院化学学院教授（Professor Emeritus）
· 1972年在以色列理工学院获得博士学位
· 曾任以色列理工学院物理化学系主任、化学学院院长和多个以色列理工学院属下委员会成员
· 主要研究领域为：物质及辐射的量子论及其相关的数学研究（原子和分子电子结构，相变理论，量子光学），尤其是量子力学的多体问题。
研究生活是怎样的，在研究过程中有没有遇到什么困难？
我在广以的专业是材料工程与科学专业，本科期间头两年里，很多课程都是和数学、物理紧密相关。由于这样的设置，我的数学和物理功底比较好，在阅读公式、理解原理等方面有比较好的基础。这次课题研究中，需要比较多的是在《量子力学》课程上学到的理论知识、基础的数学工具（如矩阵运算、迭代、反迭代等等）和使用linux语言的能力。在暑假的那两个月里面，我把理论知识和计算机编程语言方面的知识都学了一些。到了俄罗斯之后，我一边跟着Korobov教授学习所需要的知识，一边动手做计算工作。我们的时间规划并没有那么清楚，我们大部分工作时间都是在korobov教授的工作室内，不论是上午还是下午。有的时候，我和James博士是早上7点多起床，吃完早餐之后就到Korobov教授的工作室去和他讨论研究方面的情况，向他请教一些问题，也把自己的想法和他交流，下午一般是自己动手在计算机上用Korobov教授的软件去做计算实验，晚上一般是处理电子邮件、阅读文献资料的时间。
陈同学在大二上学期的课表及相关授课老师简介
在俄罗斯的这2个星期里面，我印象比较深刻的一次困难是发生在那里度过了一个星期之后，我在一个参数的调整上遇到问题，这个参数怎么调整出来的结果都不对，一时间我感到有点气馁，心里想着在俄罗斯的时间剩下不多了，这个问题还没有办法解决，感觉对不起学校为我这次项目提供的经费，也辜负了Jacob教授的期望。那一两天里面我也感觉压力很大、挺焦虑的。后来，James博士开导我说，他教导我遇到问题要放平心态，科学研究是很实际的，问题的解决方案并不会因为你有多焦虑，压力多大而自动浮现，所以最好是以平常心对待，而且不要羞于向他人请教，科研不是做作业或是考试，整个科学大厦都是后人不断得向前辈们请教学习，然后再基于前辈的知识和理念做出新的内容而慢慢建立起来的。他鼓励我主动再去问问Korobov教授。后来，有一天我趁着Korobov教授中午空闲的时间，去咨询了他这个问题。他也给出了他推想的解决办法和思路。我回去尝试着做了，也就逐步解决了这个问题。
· 俄罗斯杜布纳联合核子研究所（JINR）波戈留玻夫理论物理实验室 首席科学家
· 中国科学院外国专家特聘研究员
· 1989年在JINR获得理论与数学物理专业博士学位
· 主要研究领域为：量子三体问题的变分方法，共振和复杂的坐标旋转方法，轻原子和分子的精密光谱学等
我觉得在学习的过程中，老师们给我的帮助特别重要。Jacob教授，Korobov教授和James博士都十分友善，对我不懂的地方都不留余力地讲解，并且我提出的问题他们都会耐心讲解，教授们给我的学习提供了很大帮助。参与这个国际化的科研项目的过程，我接触到了大量前沿领域的知识，这对我的学习自主性和学习能力都是一项考验！很高兴这些难关我都闯过来了，这段时间里面我提高了自己的专业研究创新能力，也拓展了知识面，更加深入地了解到更多不同专业的知识。
陈林泓同学和Korobov教授合影
在写论文的过程中进行了哪些准备？有什么收获呢？
在这篇里面论文中，我主要负责做计算实验，在教授们的指导下完成计算、获取数据，教授们通过这些数据进行分析，获得研究结论。通过这次项目，我知识上自然收获到了许多，在经验上，我觉得主要是了解了一个科研项目是如何进行的，将来如果走科研道路的话应该具备哪些特质等等这类吧。这次有幸参与这个项目更让我认识到自己在知识储备和能力方面的不足，也更加激发了我对学习新知识的兴趣，我想这些都是对我之后的学习有很大帮助的地方了。
可能很多人对于科研生活充满这样或那样的想象，会想得很高大上。经历过这段时间的体验和锻炼之后，我更加认识到科研工作和生活其实就是在平静中积累、在平淡中探索。我时常会遇到各种各样的问题，但我会告诉我自己，要保持积极的心态，平静而认真地面对各种挑战，积极主动向他人取经，这样即使我们最终仍无法解决问题，但我们仍收获了宝贵的知识和经验，并将我们的工作结果交给后来者，这样即使我们没能解决问题，我们的工作也推动了对这个问题的研究，那么我们的工作就是有意义的。进行科研的单位是全体人类而不是以某一个个体，是人作为一个整体去试图理解世界的伟大工作，我是这么理解的。所以成就一个科研工作者的并不只是表面上的科研成果，背后十年如一日默默地学习和积累，为了研究某个课题做成千上万次实验的繁忙，更是构成科研工作者的根本要素。
论文的主体聚焦于什么样的问题？对我们现在社会有着什么作用？
论文主要聚焦类氦原子。一般的氦原子是有原子核（有2个质子和2个中子）和核外电子（2个）组成。我们的研究对象是核电荷数趋于极限时的类氦原子及其激发态的结合能（bonding energy）。当其核电荷数极趋近于极限时（核外一个电子即将发生电离时），其粒子能量会发生哪些变化，这个是我们关心的。由于实际上核电荷数只能为整数，所以这个模型无法在实验中构建，只能通过理论计算，然后和已有的其他数据相互印证。因为计算过程中涉及大量复杂的数学运算，往往需要良好的计算机算法和程序的支持。我做的计算实验，简单的说，主要是在Korobov教授的计算软件上，通过输入不同的条件参数，获得结合能能量数据。通过这些计算结果，Jacob教授对一些他在以前研究中发现的一些反常的现象给出了解释。这也是为什么Jacob对这个项目感兴趣的原因。
氦原子图示
论文中表格，显示在核电荷数从常态变化到极限状态的过程中氦原子核的能量变化情况
此外我们还观察了一些有趣的现象，关于能量和核电荷的一些线性关系，这个是当时所没有意料到的结果。通过这个结果，Jacob教授对双电子原子s-p能级分裂（s-p splitting）和单重态-三重态的能量分裂（singlet-triplet splitting）作出了新的理论分析，得到了不同于以往的结论。如果这个计算结果是正确的，而且线性关系是反应了真实的物理现象而不是由于算法的原因导致的话。那么Jacob教授得到的结论就的确得到了与以往普遍认识所不同的新观点，对解释能量分裂提出了新的思路。
由于我们的研究方向是相当理论的，也许不会对人类社会发展或者科技进步有着立竿见影的影响，但我们这次的研究方向是比较创新的，相信在我们之后，会有更多比我更专业的研究者在这个方向进行更多更精确的计算，得到更多有用的信息。
在整个研究和后来论文发表过程中，老师和你之间有哪些难忘的故事呢？
我很难说有什么故事是比较难忘的，因为整个过程都是难忘的，到现在依然历历在目，相信这对每一个第一次跟教授做项目的人来说都是如此。学到新的知识，认识到新的人，接触到新的文化，为科学实实在在做出了贡献，于小于大，都是极其有意义的、特别的体验。
我还记得在杜布纳，我们住在苏联时期的宾馆跟着须发全白的教授学习着崭新的知识；傍晚离开研究所后在伏尔加河边散步，看到的一个边踩着滑轮鞋边推着婴儿车从我身边飞驰而过的中年人；教授孜孜不倦的教导；飞机上看到的云层；电脑屏幕中跳动的数字；得到有用的结果的喜悦……这些都让我感到难忘。相信在往后很长一段时间里，我将不断地从这次的体验中得到新的感悟。
杜布纳的教堂
杜布纳街景
Chen Linhong, a third-year undergraduate majoring in materials science and engineering at Guangdong Technion Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), published an academic article in Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics as the first author. The article, titled "Asymptotic quantum defect of singly excited two-electron atoms at the critical charge", was published in the journal with average impact factor of 2.009. Jacob Katriel, visiting professor at GTIIT, is the corresponding author of this article.
Here is everything about how Chen accomplished this academic achievement.
Chen Linhong
Undergraduate of Material Science and Engineering (MSE), Cohort 2017
Current GPA: 95.15(ranking first in MSE program of Cohort 2017)
Gaokao score: 604 (in year 2017 in Guangdong)
How did your project start?
Everything starts from the first semester of my sophomore year. I took the "Quantum Chemistry" course taught by Professor Jacob Katriel and gained his attention with my earnest and steadfast study manner and outstanding academic record. When the course ended, Professor Katriel invited me to participate in a project about calculating the energy of helium-like atoms near the critical charge. I didn't understand what the study is about at first, but I knew it should be a good learning opportunity. So with the support of my family, I joined this project, and I went for some scientific literature to deepen my understanding. In the summer vacation of 2019, I officially joined the lab and started my research under the guidance of Professor Katriel. I spent two months on this subject to gain more knowledge about related theory and the programming language Linux. Being recommended by Professor Katriel and funded by GTIIT, Dr. James S. Wright and I went to the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia for two-week research visit with Professor Vladimir I. Korobov. Professor Korobov has a self-developed calculation software that can calculate atomic energies with very high precision. I used this software to perform a series of energy calculations on several singly-excited states of helium-like atoms, and pushed the nuclear charge to critical value. I helped Professor Katriel calculate the data he needed in the study. Professor Katriel analyzed these data and got some new and interesting information to verify some conjectures about the energy change of helium-like atoms at the critical charge.
• Professor Emeritus, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion
• PhD in Technion, 1972
• professor since 1982; incumbent, Abronson Family Chair of Chemistry, since 1989. Served as Head of the Physical Chemistry Division (1984-1986) and as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry (1989-1991), as well as on many Technion committees and at the Technion Faculty Union.
• Research interests: quantum theory of matter and radiation (atomic and molecular electronic structure, theory of phase transitions, quantum optics) and on related mathematical techniques, in particular concerning the quantum-mechanical many-body problem.
What is research life like, have you encountered any difficulties in the research process?
I study in the program of Material Science and Engineering. In the first two years of my undergraduate studies, many courses were closely related to mathematics and physics. This course arrangement gave me better math and physics skills and a solid foundation in understanding formulas and principles. This project required the theoretical knowledge of quantum mechanics and basic mathematical tools (such as matrix, iteration, reverse iteration, etc.) as well as the programming langauge Linux. I quickly filled up the gaps in theoretical knowledge and computer skills in summer vacation and started doing programming while learning from Professor Korobov in Russia. Most of our life in Russia was spent in Professor Korobov's laboratory. Sometimes Dr. James and I got up around 7 am and went to Professor Korobov's workshop to discuss the research after breakfast. In the afternoon, I usually did my own calculation experiments with Professor Korobov's software. At night, we went back to hotel and checked e-mails and also read papers about the research.
Chen's schedule for the first semester of the sophomore year and brief introduction of faculty in his courses
During the two weeks in Russia, one of the difficulties I was impressed with was that I encountered a problem with the adjustment of a parameter. Errors occurred in the results many times. Then I was quite upset, with a thought of unsuccessful outcome in such limited time left for the Russia trip. I felt sorry for the money GTIIT spent on this trip and the expectation that Professor Katriel had put on me. Stress and anxiety were all I had in that few days. Dr. James enlightened me and told me to stay calm, and the truth is that problems will not be solved by anxiety and encouraged me to ask Professor Korobov how to proceed. Later, when I found Professor Korobov had several minutes free time at noon, I went to consult him about this issue. He gave me his ideas and I benefited from his help to find my solution.
• Leading Scientist, Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna.
• Distinguished Research Fellow, Foreign Expert, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• PhD in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics in JINR, 1989
• Research interests: Variational methods in the quantum three–body problem. Relativistic and QED effects in few–body systems. Nonrelativistic QED. Resonances and complex coordinate rotation method. Precision spectroscopy of light atoms and molecules. Exotic atoms and molecules: muonic atoms, muonic molecular ions, antiprotonic and muonic helium.
I have found that the kind help from Prof. Katriel, Prof. Korobov and Dr. James meant a lot to me in this project. They gave their best to explain what I don't understand, and were always patient to explain the questions I asked. Because it was the first time for me to participate in an international scientific research project, I needed to receive a lot of state-of-art knowledge. It required me to study hard and actively, which is a test of my capability in quick learning. I am glad that I have come across these difficulties. During this time, I have improved my research and innovation capabilities, and also expanded my knowledge. I have learned more in-depth knowledge of interdisciplinary areas.
Photo of Chen Linhong and Professor Korobov
What preparations did you make in the process of writing the article? What have you learned?
In this project, I finished the tasks of programming to make calculations and produce data that professors required on analysis. I gained a lot of knowledge as well as deepened my understanding of how a scientific research project runs. I also became aware of what qualities I should have for taking the scientific research path in the future. I feel very lucky to participate in this project which made me realize my lack of knowledge and abilities, and also stimulated my interest in learning more. I think these are what will be beneficial for my future.
Perhaps many people are full of imagination about fancy scientific research life. After this project, I realized that scientific research work and life are like accumulating data systematically and exploring carefully. I often encounter various problems, but as long as we believe that there are always solutions to problems and maintain a positive attitude, we can calmly face various challenges.
What kind of problems did the project focus on? How it will benefit our lives?
The paper focuses on helium-like atoms. Generally, the helium atom is composed of a nucleus (with 2 protons and 2 neutrons) and 2 electrons outside the nucleus. Our research object is helium nucleus at critical charge and the bonding energy at excited states. Our question is: when the nuclear charge approaches the limit (when an electron outside the nucleus is about to ionize), what change will occur in its energy? In fact, the nuclear charge can only be an integer, so this model cannot be constructed in physics experiments but can be calculated theoretically. Because the calculation process involves a large number of complex mathematical operations, it often requires the support of rigorous computer algorithms and software. The calculation experiment I did, in short, is mainly based on Professor Korobov's software, by entering different parameters to obtain bonding energy data. Through these calculations, Professor Katriel explained some of the abnormal phenomena he discovered in previous research, which is what he is interested in.
Atomic Structure of Helium
The table in the paper shows the energy change of the atoms nuclei during the process when changing the nuclear charge from the normal state to the critical state
In addition, we also observed some interesting phenomena about the linear relationship between bonding energy and nuclear charge, which was an unexpected finding. Through this result, Professor Katriel made a new theoretical analysis on the s-p splitting of two-electron atoms and singlet-triplet splitting and obtained different conclusions from previous research. If the result of this calculation is correct, and the linear relationship reflects a real physical phenomenon rather than caused by the computational procedure, it might mean we got a new explanation for energy splitting.
Since our research direction is quite theoretical, perhaps it will not have an immediate impact on the development of human society or technological progress. But it is relatively innovative. I believe that there will be more and more researchers who dive into this area and obtain more useful information.
What are the unforgettable stories during the entire research project?
I can hardly say that there are any stories that are more memorable, because the whole process is unforgettable and still vividly remembered. I believe this is true for everyone who is working with the professors for the first time. Every experience is extremely meaningful and special.
I still remember those days in Dubna, we stayed in the hotel built in the age of the Soviet Union and learned new knowledge from Professor Korobov with his hair all white; after leaving the institute in the evening, middle-aged man flying past me in a stroller while we were walking on the Volga River; the tireless instruction from my professor; the clouds seen on the plane; the digits dancing on the computer screen; the joy of getting useful results ... they are all memorable. I believe that for a long time in the future, I will continue to get new insights from this experience.
Church in Dubna
Dubna's Street
文：GTIIT传媒与公共事务部、招生办公室
图：由受访者提供
Text by GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Admissions Office
Photos provided by Chen Linhong