1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 146 The strongest doctoral student in the history of Cambridge University!

Almost all the physicists from the Royal Society of London showed up for Ridgwell's doctoral dissertation defense.

They are basically well-known British physicists of the older generation, and their research areas are mainly traditional electromagnetism, mechanics, etc.

Although many people are not well-known in history, they all have special contributions, such as:
[Joseph Swan, 75, the first person to patent the incandescent light bulb.

His residence was the first private residence in the world to be lit by electric lights.

Moreover, this guy had a feud with Edison over the light bulb patent.

It is rumored that Edison got the inspiration for inventing the electric light directly from Swan.

[James Dewar, 61 years old, invented the Dewar flask and studied the liquefaction and solidification of hydrogen.

The first low temperature of -260° was achieved, which provided conditions for later researchers to study low temperature phenomena.

[Ausborn Reynolds, 61 years old, made outstanding contributions in the field of fluid mechanics, discovered the similarity law of flow, and proposed the Reynolds number. ]

[Oliver Heaviside, 53, is self-taught and his research interests lie in electromagnetic theory and electrical signal transmission.

To explain the reflection of radio waves, Heaviside hypothesized that the atmosphere had a conductive layer (already proposed by Ridgway).

[John Poynting, 51 years old, a close friend of Thomson, research direction is electromagnetic theory and universal gravitation. ]

Although Li Qiwei was accustomed to the sensation he caused, he still couldn't help but feel nervous.

These people are not here to watch the show, but to ask questions when the time comes.

It is no exaggeration to say that they are the elder statesmen of British physics.

If Ridgwell wants to become a fellow of the Royal Society of London next, he will definitely achieve twice the result with half the effort if he can get the support of these people.

So he made up his mind and prepared to perform well.

Li Qiwei smiled and said, "To be honest, Professor, after listening to your introduction, I am already getting nervous."

Thompson said, "Bruce, I don't believe your nonsense."

"I'm afraid you call us old guys in your heart."

Li Qiwei smiled bitterly and quickly denied, "That's impossible. You and they are all predecessors in physics and deserve my respect."

Thompson was satisfied and nodded with a smile.

At this time, Li Qiwei said again: "I just hope that this time no one will ask some sharp questions that are not related to academics."

Thomson was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Don't worry, this is different from your undergraduate defense."

"The focus of a doctoral dissertation defense is on academic level, and no one will say something irrelevant."

"Besides, with your level, are you still afraid of others' tricky angles?"

Only then did Li Qiwei feel relieved, and he found Wilson and Richardson again.

Wilson smiled and said, "Bruce, congratulations. Soon I can call you Dr. Bruce."

Li Qiwei said: "I have worked so hard for so long, and finally I am going to become a doctor and catch up with your level."

Wilson protested that it was not right to be so insulting.

It turns out that his greatest claim to fame is his doctorate degree.

No, he vowed to become a professor as soon as possible.

Richardson also said: "Congratulations, Senior Bruce. I hope you will keep in touch with us through letters after you return home."

"I still have many questions to ask you about the subject."

Li Qiwei readily agreed and gave some of his notes to the two of them as a souvenir.

Then he returned to his workstation, packed up his things, and prepared for the defense.
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On January 1903, 1, it was finally time for Dr. Ridgway to defend his thesis. Unlike his undergraduate defense, this time only the faculty and students who attended the defense were from Cambridge University, and they were limited to the physics major.

As for other people, they are not allowed to enter the meeting room unless they are specially invited.

This is also to protect the sanctity of the doctoral defense site and avoid riots.

Therefore, the number of people participating in this defense was only about 100.

In addition to the members of the defense committee, there are also members from the Royal Society of the United Kingdom, all teachers and students from the Cavendish Laboratory, teachers and students from the physics department of Trinity College and other institutions, as well as some specially invited guests.

The defense started on time at 10 am.

As Li Qiwei's mentor, Thompson was the first to speak on stage.

He rarely combed his messy hair, which was combed meticulously, and wore a suitable suit, looking energetic.

Everyone in the laboratory was amazed at how formally Professor Thompson was dressed today.

No one had ever seen him take care of his appearance like this; he always looked unkempt.

This shows that Thomson attaches great importance to this doctoral defense.

He cleared his throat and said in full force, "Welcome everyone to Bruce's doctoral dissertation defense today."

"According to the procedure, as his mentor, I will first give you a brief introduction to Bruce's personal situation."

"Li Qiwei, a Qing Dynasty man, his English name is Bruce Lee, he is 23 years old."

"In September 1897, he enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge University, as an international student majoring in physics."

"In June 1900, he published quantum theory as the first author."

"In September 1900, at the London Quantum Theory Conference, he publicly proposed the principle of the photoelectric effect and later published it in the form of a paper."

"In June 1901, during his undergraduate thesis defense, he proposed the concept of the wave-particle duality of light, which was later published in the form of a paper."

"In August 1901, at a meeting of young scholars, he proposed the concept of the atmospheric reflection layer, which provided a theoretical basis for global radio communications."

"In October 1901, he won the first Nobel Prize in Physics for his contribution to quantum theory."

"In March 1902, he published the special theory of relativity as a co-first author, and published the mass-energy equation separately."

"November 1902, published planetary model explanation of atomic structure."

“The above are Bruce Lee’s academic achievements.”

At this time, Thompson saw everyone's surprised expressions and smiled slightly. He hadn't finished speaking yet!
“In addition, he has invented more than 30 patents, helping various companies improve their technology and products, with sales exceeding £40.”

“It is a model of how physics theory guides production practice, and this move has been vigorously promoted by the British government.”

"In January 1902, he was knighted as a lower order."

"In the same month, he donated £5000 to Trinity College and donated all of his Nobel Prize money of £3300 to Cambridge University."

"And here are Bruce Lee's other achievements."

At this moment, the expressions of everyone in the venue were numb.

They all knew that Ridgway had accomplished a lot.

But when Thomson summarized and organized them in chronological order and in a clear and organized manner, it still shocked everyone.

A young man in his twenties can be considered a young talent if he can achieve any one of the above achievements.

And now, when all these honors are gathered in one person, how should this person be described and evaluated?
Li Qiwei is a living example.

His achievements seem to be more dazzling than the sun, making it impossible to look directly at them.

(End of this chapter)