While the others were enjoying their time off university, eight XMUM students from Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) Programme were busy working in laboratories at Xiamen University China (XMU). 

In the three-week Research Camp, the students conducted scientific research under the guidance of Prof. Chen Huanyang from XMU School of Electronic Science and Engineering (National Model Microelectronics College) and gained a foretaste of postgraduate life. The results they obtained from their research will be presented in two papers.

Below are the testimonies from the students.

ZHOU ZICHUN
“I feel very honored to attend this summer camp at Xiamen University. Although it only lasted for three weeks, I have learnt many new things. During the first few days, Prof. Chen taught us some basic knowledge of Physics and Mathematics. We have also learnt the usage of two software: Mathematica and COMSOL Multiphysics. After that, Prof. Chen divided us into two groups and gave us two research directions. Under the guidance of Prof. Chen and his master’s student, Miss Peng, through the collation and classification of the obtained images, we finally found a rough rule of the transformation of Duplex Mikaelian Lenses. I am very thankful to Prof. Chen and Miss Peng for their help. Now, I have a new understanding of scientific research from different aspects and some new ideas about the direction of my future studies.”

XIA KEQIN
"I would like to thank Prof. Chen Huanyang for his teaching and guidance during the project. We learned the relevant knowledge on optics and how to use the Mathematical software Mathematica to solve the Luneburg lens, Eaton Lens and other issues. We also had the honor to visit the physical laboratories of Xiamen University. One of the biggest surprise to me is the microwave darkroom, an advanced laboratory mainly used for highly accurate measurements and is rare in China. We visited the laboratory that studies the nature and application of terahertz and learned about the technological development at the frontier of this field. I’m looking forward to participating in more such projects in the future.”

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The students were listening to the explanation of the laboratory teacher in the microwave darkroom.

LIU SENLIN
“It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this three-week summer camp. Under the guidance of Prof. Chen Huanyang, my understanding of scientific research has become more thorough, and my vision in transformation optics has been broadened. We visited many laboratories including biology and optical laboratories at Xiamen University, which provides an excellent research environment. This three-week summer camp will definitely impact my future study, which will benefit a lot from the valuable educational resources provided by Xiamen University and the guidance of Prof. Chen.”

ZHANG JIAXIANG
“Although the event was only three weeks, it has shown me what scientific research is about. Prof. Chen's lectures made me realize that successful scientific research requires not only solid professional knowledge but also advanced technical support, while the reasonable allocation of human resources also plays a crucial role in scientific research. I am also deeply impressed by the advanced experimental facilities at Xiamen University. All of these have motivated me to work harder and start my research life as soon as possible.”

HAN HUASHUO
“Prof. Chen is a very capable and responsible person. He not only gave us research topics, but also helped us to complete it. In this camp, I did the same work as a postgraduate student and I realized that doing research is not all plain sailing. Many times I thought I was close, but I wasn’t. Maybe this is the charm of doing research. I also realized the importance of insight: important data could have appeared many times in repeated experiments but could have been overlooked. In short, this summer camp has allowed me to gain a lot of knowledge, and more importantly it has enabled me to experience the life of a postgraduate student, which is very valuable.”

WU YUZE
“During the three-week study, I learnt fundamental knowledges about Transformation Optics and from Prof. Chen and did a research related to ‘General Equation of Maxwell Fisheye Lens’ under his guidance. Through the event, I have obtained a clearer understanding of scientific research and realized that it takes time to accumulate and gain inspiration. The advanced equipment in the main campus truly makes me realize that technology is essential to research.”

YAN YI
“I have gained a lot from this summer camp, especially the experience of doing research. Teachers and classmates worked together, drawing, finding patterns, finding problems, overthrowing previous conclusions, and then rethinking. In this process, we experienced disappointment but also the excitement of discovery. This summer camp is a very valuable life experience for me.”

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(from left to right) Mr. Lai Kunzhong, Prof. Chen Huanyang, Xia Keqin, He Pinchao, Zhang Jiaxiang, Han Huashuo, Liu Senlin, Wu Yuze, Yan Yi