As the night deepens, Di Hao, senior engineer at the Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics (SINANO) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emerges from the ultra-clean laboratory of the nano-processing platform. Yet his work is far from over, as he heads upstairs to the optical platform to test the chip he had just completed in the clean room that evening.
Di Hao is a member of a group of scientists and engineers quietly toiling at the forefront of innovative micro- and nano-manufacturing. With one eye on the minute details and the other on the starry sky, they understand that the more meticulous their observations of microscopic structures, the clearer their vision of the future "core" horizon will be.
Diligent Pursuit of Expertise
翟豪's great-uncle worked at the Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences during his youth. When 翟豪 was a primary school pupil, his great-uncle would take him to his workplace and impart words of wisdom: "People and events may deceive you, but the laws of physics are immutable. Only by comprehending, mastering, and applying them better than others can we avoid being dependent on others and subject to sanctions."
His great-uncle also enjoyed taking 翟豪 to the planetarium. The spectrum of light from stars contained a wealth of information and was the ideal testing ground for physical laws. Among the various physical constants, 翟豪 was most drawn to the fine-structure constant, 1/137, for it held the key to the ultimate mysteries of the universe.
Inspired by his early exposure to science, 翟豪 mastered calculus and general physics at the university level while still in high school. He won several national competitions in physics and chemistry. In 2006, he enrolled in the Chemical Enhancement Program at Central South University. After graduating with distinction, he joined the Nanoscale Fabrication Platform at the Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics (SINANO). Under the tutelage of the platform's director, he delved into the principles, fabrication, and testing of chip-scale atomic devices.
However, his initial confidence was met with setbacks in the laboratory. To improve his performance, 翟豪 studied semiconductor physics, microelectronics, and atomic optics after work, but his technical proficiency grew at a glacial pace.
Realizing the limitations of theoretical knowledge, 翟豪 immersed himself in the lab, befriending the technicians. He asked questions relentlessly, reminiscent of his postgraduate days. As his foundation solidified, his research began to flourish. In the atomic fine-structure spectrum of the atomic vapor cell he fabricated, he once again encountered 1/137. The depths of the microcosm mirrored the starry depths that fascinated him.
Attention to Detail Breaches the Atomic Vapor Cell Blockade
Chip-scale atomic devices use lasers to generate pump and probe light, enabling quantum state manipulation and detection of alkali metal atoms in an atomic vapor cell. This allows for high-precision weak magnetic field detection and frequency signal output, making them invaluable in applications ranging from positioning and navigation to surveying and communication. Such devices are critical components in national security systems.
In the realm of chip-scale atomic device fabrication, the United States has long held a dominant position. Due to technical embargoes and the lack of access to primary design data, domestic research efforts faced significant challenges.
Determined to overcome these obstacles, 翟豪 embarked on a challenging technical endeavor in 2016 with the support of SINANO. Using the platform's lithography and plasma etching equipment, and drawing upon his deep understanding of atomic optics and physical chemistry, he set out to conquer the core component of atomic devices – the atomic vapor cell chip.
Initially, the critical fabrication processes for atomic devices clashed with established semiconductor processes, and no specialized equipment was available. The high cost of the experimental materials, purified isotopes (100,000 RMB per gram), hindered large-scale production.
Experimental designs required meticulous planning and execution. Every precious experiment had to yield valuable insights, and every failure needed to be dissected for potential causes. To minimize the use of expensive materials, 翟豪 honed the dexterity of his hands and fingers, achieving a level of stability that earned him the nickname "analytical balance" among his colleagues.
Driven by the motto "overlook no detail, spare no phenomenon," and after two years of arduous research, countless sleepless nights in the clean room, and numerous setbacks, 翟豪 finally discovered a reliable fabrication process. He overcame the challenges of isotope atom manipulation and produced the first single-cavity MEMS atomic vapor cell.
This breakthrough paved the way for several atomic device projects at SINANO. With further refinement and optimization, the atomic vapor cell achieved industrial-scale production. This technology has resulted in four national invention patents and technology transfer applications worth over 8 million RMB, significantly advancing the industry.
Promoting Craftsmanship: True Excellence Lies in Collective Success
Through participation in numerous national and provincial research projects and his unwavering efforts, 翟豪 has developed exceptional micro and nano fabrication skills, becoming an indispensable craftsman supporting major scientific research endeavors at SINANO.
Remarkably, 翟豪 is not only an accomplished craftsman but also a dedicated educator. While fulfilling his research obligations, he shares his hard-earned micro and nano fabrication knowledge, nurturing future talents for the nation.
Over the years, he has taught courses in electron beam fabrication, lithography, and circuit fundamentals as part of the Suzhou Industrial Park Nanotechnology Industry High-Skill Talent Program. He has also participated in the design, training, judging, and evaluation of the Suzhou Industrial Park High-Skill Competition for four consecutive years. By mentoring individuals, he has significantly elevated the technical proficiency of personnel across the industrial park's enterprises.
In his lectures, 翟豪 emphasizes not only technical expertise but also the传承 and promotion of the scientific spirit. He shares stories of scientists and engineers to motivate his students to embrace their historical mission, dedicate themselves to national development, and contribute to the realization of scientific and technological self-reliance.
"Individual excellence is not true excellence; collective excellence is true excellence." This is the guiding principle that 翟豪 has consistently upheld. Now, after 11 years at SINANO, his dedication remains unwavering. He continues to push the boundaries of micro and nano fabrication, working alongside fellow researchers to secure China's position at the forefront of scientific and technological advancement.
