Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 369: I'm starting to question my existence.
"Thanks for the invitation. My perspective is different from yours. Haven't you noticed something?"
This should be the first time in history that a Nature journal has only Chinese names from beginning to end. The given names may be in English, like Randolph, but the surnames are definitely all Chinese. This is truly unprecedented.

You can only see the English name in the editing and proofreading section. Winning the Nobel Prize is a matter for the future. Of course, I believe that I will definitely win the Nobel Prize with this achievement, but it is happening now, and I think this alone is enough to make me feel great.

Before the change, who would have thought that Nature's journals would be dominated by Chinese names? Isn't that way much more impressive than the Korean hype about BTS dominating the rankings? Korea's room-temperature superconductivity hasn't even been verified yet, while our new photovoltaic technology has truly gained recognition!

There's so much hype surrounding this on Zhihu, with netizens offering a variety of perspectives, and this is one of the more interesting ones.

On the Simplified Chinese internet, Ran Shen is undoubtedly awesome, with all sorts of praise for him.

In academia, on the other side of the Pacific, the academic whirlwind has only just begun.

While Harvard University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering may not be the top in the US academic landscape, it depends on who you compare it to.

If it can't compare to Stanford and MIT, can it at least not compare to other Ivy League schools?
Professor Kevin is a senior professor in the department and one of the earliest researchers of perovskite materials. He chose the right material and has been riding the wave of industry development for the past decade, with a wealth of achievements, from titles to projects from companies.

His office walls are covered with charts of energy research awards and cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs from around the world.

Today, Professor Kevin's research group gathered to discuss the special issue that just arrived from the journal Nature.

This special issue of China's journal is not only groundbreaking in terms of the papers themselves, but it is also a rare case where the papers first caused a major shock in the capital market before generating a strong response in the academic field.

“This paper has, to some extent, overturned our past understanding of photovoltaic cells,” Professor Kevin said first. “In the past, we have always thought that by stacking photovoltaic modules, we can break through the original limitations and allow different coatings to absorb different light to break through the Shockley-Quisser limit. However, the research from China has shown us that we can achieve this without relying on multi-layer stacking, but with ingenious structural design.”

Professor Kevin opened the paper, his eyes filled with shock and excitement.

"The 50% photoelectric conversion rate exceeded everyone's expectations, but the problem is that its mathematical part is too complicated. There are many parts that I don't understand. In order to read this article carefully, I specially invited Professor Mahadwan from the Department of Mathematics to explain the mathematical parts to us."

Mahadevan is the chair of the Harvard Applied Mathematics Department and the dean of the Mather College. His main research area is mathematical modeling physics, which has some connection with photovoltaic modules, but the connection is limited.

However, given his mathematical background, he should be able to understand and explain it.

Mahdwan picked up the paper and said, "Professor Kevin and I have been friends for many years, and we have also collaborated on some projects in the past, such as using mathematical models to study and understand the collective behavior of matter and phase transitions."

But we've never gone this far before; the model from Randolph is, in a sense, a complete overturn of existing quantum photoelectric theory.

The paper is filled with formulas.

The first half of the special issue is filled with mathematical symbols, with complex differential equations, tensor calculations, and quantum mechanics symbols intertwined.

These mathematical formulas are practically incomprehensible to PhD students majoring in materials science.

Kevin continued, "Alright, next Professor Mahadwan will explain some of the more difficult parts of the paper to us."

Mahdwan stood up, walked to the whiteboard, and said, “Okay, let’s start by explaining the energy-dependent self-consistent equation. This theoretical model is very abstract. It is an extension of the non-equilibrium Boltzmann equation, involving the coupling of quantum density of states, phonon spectrum, and complex nonlinear optimization of exciton recombination rate.”

Even I found these concepts somewhat difficult to understand on my first attempt, let alone the research content that you, as application developers, would typically encounter.

If Professor Kevin hadn't come to him for help, Mahadwan wouldn't have wanted to come and explain it. In his opinion, did medieval alchemists really need to learn astrology?

"This is the most crucial part of the entire model. It solves the dynamics of multiexciton generation through self-consistent equations. This part involves tensor product and quantum superposition."

The atmosphere in the meeting room was solemn. The doctoral students held their breath and listened attentively.

During the lunch break, Professor Kevin, carrying a tray, walked side by side with Mahadwan and asked, "How many of the PhDs here do you think can actually understand what I'm saying?"

Mahdwan replied, "Based on my many years of teaching experience, not a single one understands it."

They lack a mathematical foundation, making it nearly impossible for them to understand.

Randolph's paper was not just a technological breakthrough, but a giant leap forward in mathematics and physics.

Your expectations of a PhD student's mathematical level are insufficient for them to understand the advanced mathematics involved.

This is not their fault; it is the result of the long-standing emphasis on experimentation over theory in the field of materials science.

Perhaps now is the time for a change.

Similarly, on the campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, after the paper was published, Lin Ran returned to the university to give a lecture explaining his latest findings:

"Let's start with the physical background of this formula. We know how important it is to optimize the exciton recombination rate, which involves minimizing thermal losses while maximizing the generation efficiency of electron-hole pairs."

If we can effectively control this process through mathematical optimization, then theoretically, the efficiency of photovoltaic cells could break through the Shockley-Quisher limit.

This is the core of the entire thought process! Often, only by understanding the principles can one apply them to other situations during research, deriving from the principles how to design experiments to achieve the desired characteristics.

Lin Ran's voice gradually rose, "The core issue we must understand is the relationship between exciton generation and electron-phonon coupling."

The equations in the paper, by introducing a novel many-body interaction model, reveal more efficient electron transport pathways that were previously unimaginable.

The audience was packed with students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who saw this as a unique perk of the university.

On Simplified Chinese social media, there are various analyses surrounding this matter, with one mainstream view being that this achievement is absolutely Nobel Prize-worthy.

As the lead researcher, Lin Ran absolutely deserves a Nobel Prize.

This also means that Lin Ran will be the first scientist in history to win both the Nobel Prize and the Fields Medal.

Of course, Lin Ran had already achieved this honor in the 1960s, only he received the Nobel Peace Prize that time.

But you can't say the Nobel Peace Prize isn't a Nobel Prize.

"I know you may have questions about how quantum mechanical effects can be extended from the microscopic scale to macroscopic battery design in this process?"

This is the core of the entire preceding section that you need to understand.

"This part of the mathematical model is actually a coupled system of multidimensional tensors. Through these tensors, you can see that the evolution path of the quantum state is minimized to the maximum efficiency."

The energy of each photon is precisely controlled through mathematical calculations to generate electron-hole pairs, rather than through thermalization or transmission. Therefore, all optimizations are performed in a non-equilibrium state, rather than under the traditional equilibrium assumption. It is this optimization that allows photon energy to be utilized to the maximum extent under non-thermal conditions!
This is also the key to success.

Lin Ran's lecture lasted for three days. It was broadcast online with a webcam, but the students' enthusiasm was overwhelming.

How can watching online be the same as watching offline?

Although 99% of the students couldn't understand what Lin Ran was saying.

At noon, Lin Ran was invited to rest in the principal's office.

Lin Zhongqing looked at Lin Ran with a mix of emotions. He was about to take up a local post, which would be the most important step in the transition from academic excellence to officialdom. This was the dream of countless university officials, and also the most difficult step.

He thought all hope was lost, but then good fortune came his way, and he was able to achieve political success without even realizing it.

Every time the education system holds a meeting, Jin Li, the president of Fudan University, is filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment. This jealousy reached its peak when he learned that Jin Li was about to be transferred to a local post.

"Professor Lin, I will be leaving soon," Lin Zhongqing said.

Lin Ran smiled and said, "Principal, congratulations on your retirement."

Lin Zhongqing, who had been smiling just moments before, immediately froze: "What retirement?! I'm going to take up a local post!"

Lin Ran laughed: "I was just joking, Principal. Of course I know that. Before you were transferred, the people in Yanjing asked for my opinion."

Lin Zhongqing understood that the position of president of Shanghai Jiaotong University required cooperation with Lin Ran, and the upcoming establishment of the cutting-edge technology center would further necessitate the president's support and cooperation.

Although Lin Ran was not comparable to him in terms of rank, in Yanjing's view, he was far inferior to Lin Ran in terms of both value and influence.

It's normal for Yanjing to ask for Lin Ran's opinion; in fact, he felt that without Lin Ran's approval, his transfer wouldn't have gone so smoothly.

"The newly appointed principal is Principal Jin from Fudan University," Lin Zhongqing wanted to complain, but then he remembered that these two might be working together for a long time, perhaps for several years. Their relationship might be even more harmonious than his relationship with Lin Ran, so why should he say anything at this time?

"The other party is a real genius, a good principal who cares about students and teachers," Lin Zhongqing said.

Indeed, Jin Li has done his utmost in advocating for the welfare of Fudan University students.

Lin Ran nodded and said, "Okay, I understand."

Hear the strings and know the elegant meaning.

The subtext of Lin Zhongqing's words was that even after I leave, the new principal will still care about you and seek convenience for you.

Lin Ran thought to himself, "Who would dare to make things difficult for me, no matter who it is? Given Lin Zhongqing's trajectory, wouldn't the other party rely on me to help them achieve something during their term so that Yanjing can see it?"

The interests of both parties dictate that the other party is unlikely to offend them.

"Oh, right, Professor, there's one more thing. Beijing has given preliminary approval to establish a cutting-edge scientific research center at Shanghai Jiao Tong University."

"The position of center director is rightfully yours," Lin Zhongqing said. "That's what the people in Yanjing told me, and that's what I think too."

Besides you, I really can't think of anyone else qualified for this position.

Lin Ran understood; this was essentially another benefit.

In terms of rank, as an academician of both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, he is more than qualified to serve as the head of an institution directly under Jiaotong University.

Lin Zhongqing continued, "What the Yanjing side means is that your workload is too heavy, and the deputy director is more likely to be the actual manager of the center."

Since the other party will be working with you, you can give them feedback if you have any concerns about the selection of personnel, and they will fully consider your opinions.

I have some information here about Jiaotong University that's suitable for professors and scholars. I'll send it to your school email address later so you can take a look and get a general idea.

Lin Ran asked, "Give it full consideration?"

After a moment's thought, Lin Zhongqing said decisively, "Yes, we will give it full consideration!"

Lin Ran nodded: "Okay, please help me report this to Yanjing. I suggest that it would be more appropriate for my father to take on the position of deputy director."

You should know who my father is, right?

Lin Zhongqing certainly knew that they were all from the higher education system, and Lin Ran's father, Lin Taihang, was extremely famous.

If Jinli envied him, then he envied Lin Ran's father for having such a son. They both had the surname Lin, so how come his own son couldn't even match one-tenth of Lin Ran's abilities?

“I know, your experience in Taihang is sufficient, but aren’t you afraid of causing suspicion by doing this?” Lin Zhongqing reminded him.

Lin Ran said quietly, "Principal, this is exactly the effect we wanted."

Of course I know this is wrong. It's nepotism, putting my father in such a position, and it will cause controversy.

But you have no weaknesses, your reputation is spotless, and your achievements are awe-inspiring. What do you want to do? Do you want to be a saint?
No one wants to be close to a saint who has no weaknesses; on the contrary, people only trust those who have weaknesses.

Lin Zhongqing was numb. Are all young people these days so capable? The university administration system is also an administrative system. After all these years of hard work, how come he can't even think as well as a young person under thirty?

The more Lin Zhongqing thought about it, the more frightening the other party's thinking about this matter became.

First of all, these words were spoken to him, and also to Yanjing. When Lin Ran and Lin Zhongqing said them, it was as if they were addressing Yanjing.

Secondly, Yanjing knew this, but the outside world did not. In terms of public opinion, Lin Ran was a mortal with emotions and desires, capable of nepotism and seeking benefits for his parents. However, from Yanjing's perspective, Lin Ran was a saint who thought things through from all angles.

Lin Zhongqing had begun to doubt his life: Am I not suited to be an official?

(End of this chapter)