A GOOD MEAL
After mastering advanced quantum technology, Pan returned to the University of Science and Technology of China in 2001 to establish a quantum physics and quantum information laboratory, hoping China could quickly catch up with the pace of development in the emerging field of quantum technology.
A good cook, Pan knows the best ingredients are vital for a good meal. ( In order to make breakthroughs in quantum information research, the lab needed scientists with different academic backgrounds.
Pan sent his students to study in Germany, Britain, the United States, Switzerland and Austria to obtain the most advanced knowledge in specialties such as cold atoms, precision measurement and multiphoton entanglement manipulation.
So far, Pan and his team have published about 200 articles in authoritative academic journals including Science, Nature and Physical Review Letters, indicating that China is at the global forefront of quantum communication.
PEACE OF MIND
In experiments, there is inevitably frustration. But Pan says they need patience and the key is to have fun in the process.
"Pursuing the secrets of the quantum physics brings me calm and peace. It's like walking on the lawn in the spring sunshine."
A fan of classical music, Pan says music and science both give him tranquility and happiness.
In college, he read the collected essays of Einstein. "For me, Einstein's essays are the most profound and beautiful sound of nature," he says.
"The research of quantum physics has an impact on my personality and thoughts. Quantum mechanics tells me it's very hard to define right and wrong, good and bad. It makes me tolerant," Pan says.
He also takes part in many activities to promote science in China.
Development driven by innovation is one of China's core strategies. "Building an innovation-oriented country requires nurturing the public's interest in science," Pan says.
He believes China can catch up with Japan in about two decades in the field of science and technology, as long as the research funds are allocated and used by the best Chinese scientists properly.
JEWEL IN THE CROWN
"The experiments on the QUESS satellite are the most important scientific research in my life," says Pan.
However, the quantum world remains mysterious. Will the "spooky action" that confused even Einstein extend in space without limit?
"In theory, this bizarre connection can exist over any distance, but we think quantum entanglement might be affected by gravity. The different models need to be tested at a longer distance, and the boundary between quantum physics and the theory of relativity and study the structure of spacetime and gravity should be explored," Pan says.
"We hope to send a photon source to the Lagrange point of the Earth-moon system to distribute entanglement between Earth and the moon at a distance of some 300,000 km in future to test relevant physical theories," Pan says.
He says it is the "jewel in the crown" of quantum physics. "I'm 47 now. I hope we can accomplish that experiment before I retire at around 60."
Pan regards developing quantum communication and quantum computing as his responsibility, while exploring the fundamental secrets of the quantum world as his inner motivation.
"I never forget questions at the deepest level. I want to continue to experiment. Maybe in future, we can know why there are weird phenomena like quantum entanglement," Pan says.
At the same time, he says research on scientific theory should not be separated from developing technologies of practical use.
"In addition to quantum communication and quantum computing, quantum physics can improve our lives, such as in developing the atomic clock, precision measurement and the early diagnosis of cancer."
