Pengju Zhang | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pengju Zhang | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pengju Zhang, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

πŸ”¬ Dr. Pengju Zhang is a Group Leader at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. With expertise in ultrafast spectroscopy and attosecond science, he has advanced research in time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy of gases and liquids. πŸ“Έ His work has appeared in top journals like Nature Photonics and Nature Chemistry. 🌊 He developed a cutting-edge experimental platform revealing insights into liquid water dynamics, electron decay, and coherent wave packets. πŸš€ A rising star in experimental physics!

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πŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pengju Zhang began his academic journey with a strong focus on experimental physics, particularly in ultrafast spectroscopy. His early training laid the groundwork for mastering time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, culminating in postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich (2018–2024). Here, he joined one of the world’s leading groups in attosecond science, where he honed his expertise and developed pioneering tools for probing excited-state dynamics in matter. πŸ§ͺπŸ“š

πŸ’Ό Professional Endeavors

In 2024, Dr. Zhang joined the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences as a tenured Associate Professor and Group Leader, spearheading advancements in ultrafast electron dynamics. His work now bridges atomic, molecular, and condensed-phase physics, with particular emphasis on attosecond temporal resolution and photoelectron spectroscopy of liquids. πŸ›οΈπŸ”¬

πŸ”¬ Contributions and Research Focus On PhysicsΒ 

Dr. Zhang’s research revolves around understanding electronic excited-state processes in complex systems. His hallmark contributions include:

  • Development of photoelectron frequency-resolved optical gating (P-FROG),

  • Discovery of intermolecular Coulombic decay (ICD) in liquid water,

  • Lifetime characterization of cascade Auger processes in noble gases, and

  • Probing ultrafast isomerization in liquids using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy.

His projects span both gas-phase and condensed-matter systems, revealing wave-packet dynamics, coherence phenomena, and ultrafast charge migration. βš›οΈβš‘

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhang’s groundbreaking work has contributed fundamentally to the field of attosecond science. His Nature Photonics and Nature Communications publications have pushed the boundaries of time-domain measurements in molecular systems. By decoding ultrafast interactions in liquidsβ€”long considered challengingβ€”he has paved new paths for femtochemistry and molecular reaction dynamics. 🌐🧭

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Zhang is highly skilled in:

  • Ultrafast laser system design and control,

  • Time-resolved and coincidence photoelectron spectroscopy,

  • Advanced data analysis of quantum dynamics,

  • Characterization of electron correlation and decay pathways,

  • Collaborative research across solid-state physics, molecular chemistry, and spectroscopy.

His lab innovations demonstrate engineering precision, methodological novelty, and deep physical insight. πŸ”§πŸ“‘

πŸ… Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhang has been appointed as a Young Editor for Ultrafast Science (2025–2028), recognizing his leadership and emerging authority in the field. His candidacy for the Best Researcher Award is well-supported by his publication record, experimental breakthroughs, and international collaborations. πŸ₯‡πŸ“–

πŸ›οΈ Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Zhang is leading research into white-light attosecond pulse generation from solids and time-resolved high-harmonic generation in liquids. These projects promise to redefine femtosecond metrology and improve our understanding of light–matter interaction in real-world conditions. His legacy lies in bridging the gap between gas-phase physics and condensed-phase ultrafast science, with the potential to revolutionize chemical reaction control and quantum information processes. πŸš€πŸ§¬

Publications Top Notes

πŸ“˜ Electron Emission Study
Title: Electron emission from single-electron capture with simultaneous single-ionization reactions in 30-keV/u He-on-argon collisions
Journal: Physical Review A
Citations: 78
Year: 2011
πŸ“Šβš›οΈ

πŸ’§ Liquid Water Ionization Energy
Title: Ionization energy of liquid water revisited
Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Citations: 56
Year: 2020
πŸ’¦πŸ”¬

⚑ Interatomic Decay Observation
Title: Observation of interatomic Coulombic decay and electron-transfer-mediated decay in high-energy electron-impact ionization of Ar
Journal: Physical Review A
Citations: 49
Year: 2013
🧲πŸ§ͺ

πŸ’₯ Intermolecular Coulombic Decay
Title: Intermolecular Coulombic Decay in Liquid Water
Journal: Physical Review Letters
Citations: 42
Year: 2022
πŸŒŠπŸ’‘

🌟 Ultrafast Stilbene Isomerization
Title: Different timescales during ultrafast stilbene isomerization in the gas and liquid phases
Journal: Nature Chemistry
Citations: 33
Year: 2022
πŸ§¬πŸ“Έ

πŸš€ Sequential Pathways by Ion Impact
Title: Observation of two sequential pathways of dissociation by heavy-ion impact
Journal: Physical Review A
Citations: 31
Year: 2016
πŸ”—πŸ’£

πŸ” Collision Dynamics Study
Title: Dynamics of […] investigated by 50-keV/u impact
Journal: Physical Review A
Citations: 29
Year: 2018
βš›οΈπŸ§ͺ

πŸ“‰ Low-Energy Electron Distribution
Title: Low-energy electron distributions from the photoionization of liquid water
Journal: Chemical Science
Citations: 25
Year: 2022
πŸ§«πŸ“

🌿 Laser-Induced Breakdown in Plants
Title: Influence of laser wavelength on LIBS in trace-elements of a plant sample
Journal: Chinese Physics Letters
Citations: 25
Year: 2010
πŸ”¬πŸŒ±

πŸ”¬ Detector Application in Recombination Experiment
Title: YAP:Ce and CsI(Tl) detectors for dielectronic recombination experiment at the CSRm
Journal: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B
Citations: 24
Year: 2013
πŸ“Ÿβš™οΈ

πŸ“ Electron Capture Cross Sections
Title: Angular- and state-selective differential cross sections for single-electron capture
Journal: Physical Review A
Citations: 24
Year: 2012
🎯🧲

πŸ§ͺ Methane Orbital Ionization
Title: Low energy (e, 2e) study from the 1t2 orbital of CH4
Journal: The Journal of Chemical Physics
Citations: 22
Year: 2012
πŸ’¨πŸ§¬

Ping Yuan | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ping Yuan | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ping Yuan, School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, China.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬ Prof. Dr. Ping Yuan is a distinguished professor at the School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University. With a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he specializes in atmospheric physics, lightning plasma, and spectral analysis βš‘πŸ“Š. He has published 80+ papers in renowned journals and led major national research projects. His groundbreaking work on ball lightning πŸ’‘ has significantly advanced scientific understanding, earning him a respected place in global physics research. πŸŒπŸ“˜

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πŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Ping Yuan began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Northwest Normal University in 1984. He pursued a Master’s in Optics from Shaanxi Normal University (1986–1989), demonstrating an early inclination toward advanced physics and optical science. Between 2000 and 2003, he earned a Doctorate at the Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the same institution from 2004 to 2007. πŸ“š

πŸ’Ό Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Professor at the School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Prof. Yuan leads numerous initiatives in atmospheric and lightning physics. His dedication is evident through his guidance of postgraduate research, management of major projects, and extensive publication record in elite scientific journals. 🏫

πŸ”¬ Contributions and Research Focus On PhysicsΒ 

Prof. Yuan’s research primarily addresses theoretical atomic structure calculations, plasma spectral analysis, and lightning physics. In 2014, his team was the first to document the full process and spectrum of natural ball lightning, unveiling the mechanism behind its luminescence and physical behavior. His work provides a critical foundation for further exploration of this rare natural phenomenon. ⚑

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Yuan’s contributions have significantly advanced atmospheric physics. His leadership in National Natural Science Foundation projects and research on lightning return-stroke currents, corona sheath conductivity, and lightning plasma spectra has made a lasting mark on global lightning science. His research not only influences academic circles but also supports meteorological and environmental safety applications. 🌐

🧠 Research Skills

Prof. Yuan is proficient in spectral data analysis, electromagnetic wave modeling, numerical simulations of lightning processes, and optical diagnostics. His robust skillset supports his interdisciplinary approach, enabling collaboration across physics, engineering, and environmental science domains. His ability to link theoretical models with empirical findings strengthens the scientific validity of his conclusions. 🧠

πŸ… Awards and Honors

Prof. Yuan is a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a legacy of pioneering discoveries, national recognition, and sustained excellence in lightning and plasma physics. His work has not only garnered academic praise but also established him as a leading figure in environmental and atmospheric research. πŸ†

πŸ›οΈ Legacy and Future Contributions

As a mentor, innovator, and investigator, Prof. Yuan’s legacy lies in his ability to demystify complex atmospheric phenomena and inspire future researchers. His upcoming work aims to enhance real-time lightning detection systems, develop safer atmospheric monitoring technologies, and contribute to global climate resilience strategies. His legacy will continue through the scholars he trains and the knowledge he imparts. 🌟

Publications Top Notes

πŸ“˜ The Influence of Corona Sheath Conductivity Distribution on the Transmission Characteristics of Return-Stroke Currents
πŸ“ Atmospheric Research, 2025
πŸ”¬βš‘

πŸ“˜ Negative Differential Resistance, Instability, and Critical Transition in Lightning Leader
πŸ“ Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 2025
⚑🧠

πŸ“˜ Simulation of Lightning Spectra and Diagnosis of Lightning Parameters
πŸ“ Journal of Applied Physics, 2025
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πŸ“˜ Opacity of N II Ion Radiation in the Lightning Discharge Plasma Channel
πŸ“ Journal of the Optical Society of America B: Optical Physics, 2025
πŸŒˆπŸ”¬

πŸ“˜ Precise Determination of Lightning Plasma Parameters Based on a Collisional-Radiative Model
πŸ“ Plasma Sources Science and Technology, 2025
πŸ“ŠπŸ’₯

πŸ“˜ Using the Space-Time Evolution Spectrum to Investigate the Transmission Characteristics of Lightning Return Stroke Current
πŸ“ Atmospheric Research, 2024
πŸ•’βš‘

πŸ“˜ Radial Structure and Optical Radiation Characteristics of the Cloud-Ground Lightning Channel
πŸ“ Chinese Optics, 2024
πŸŽ‡πŸ“‘

πŸ“˜ Abundance Determination of Atoms and Ions in the Channel Plasma of Lightning
πŸ“ Journal of the Optical Society of America B: Optical Physics, 2024
βš—οΈπŸŒ©οΈ

πŸ“˜ Quantitative Spectral Analysis of Natural Lightning Return Stroke Followed by Continuing Current with M-Components
πŸ“ Atmospheric Research, 2024
πŸ“ˆβš‘