Prof. Zhang Xuming's Team Wins Champion Title at Product Innovation Competition 2024-25

Prof. Zhang Xuming's team has secured the champion title in the "Dr. Ching Yuen-kai – IC • U3DP • Product Innovation Prize 2024-25," hosted by the Faculty of Engineering (FENG) in partnership with the Industrial Centre (IC) and the University Research Facility in 3D Printing (U3DP). The competition featured submissions from 26 teams, with 8 finalists demonstrating exceptional ingenuity. Participants developed their projects at U3DP and IC, focusing on innovative solutions that positively impact society, particularly for those in need. The champion project, “Dragon Vision: Ultra-High Precision 3D Printing-Based Artificial Compound Eyes for 3D Vision,” was created by team members JIANG Heng, LI Xu, and WAN Liang. Their groundbreaking work exemplifies the intersection of advanced technology and societal benefit, showcasing remarkable creativity and dedication. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Zhang Xuming’s team and all participants for their outstanding contributions to innovation.

Prof. Jun YIN Develops High-Efficiency Solar Cells

The Department of Applied Physics has made a significant advancement in solar technology by developing a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with an unprecedented energy conversion efficiency of 33.89%. Led by Prof. Yin Jun, the research team utilized an innovative bilayer-intertwined passivation strategy, which greatly enhances charge extraction and minimizes energy loss. This breakthrough effectively overcomes previous limitations in efficiency and opens new possibilities for the application of renewable energy technologies. The new solar cells have been certified, marking the first time they have surpassed the Shockley-Queisser limit of 33.7% for single-junction solar cells. In addition to their impressive efficiency, these cells exhibit exceptional photovoltaic performance, including a high fill factor of up to 83% and an open-circuit voltage nearing 1.97V. This research not only showcases the potential of photovoltaic technology but also provides a solid foundation for the ongoing development of sustainable energy solutions, contributing to a greener, low-carbon future. Please visit here to view the research findings published in the international journal Nature.    應用物理學系在太陽能技術方面取得重大進展，成功開發出鈣鈦礦/矽串聯太陽能電池，能量轉換效率達到前所未有的33.89%。由殷駿教授領導的研究團隊採用創新的雙層界面鈍化策略，顯著提升電荷提取效率並減少能量損失。這一突破有效克服了以往的效率限制，為可再生能源技術的應用開辟了新機會。 這款新型太陽能電池已獲得認證，首次超越了單結太陽能電池的Shockley-Queisser極限33.7%。除了令人印象深刻的效率外，這些電池還展現出卓越的光伏性能，包括高達83%的填充因子和接近1.97V的開路電壓。該研究不僅展示了光伏技術的潛力，還為可持續能源解決方案的發展奠定了堅實基礎，為實現綠色低碳未來作出貢獻。 請在此查看發表於國際期刊《自然》的研究成果。   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao 教育線上/理大研製高效太陽能電池 21 May 2025

Prof. Zhang Xuming's Research Group Shines at a Youth Entrepreneurship Contest

Prof. Xuming ZHANG's research group has achieved remarkable success at the 2nd "See Beautiful China in Huzhou" Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, held in the Asia Region Hong Kong Station. This contest, themed “Beautiful China, Dynamic Huzhou", aims to highlight Huzhou as a hub for green entrepreneurship, promoting the philosophy that "Green mountains are gold mountains." Among the distinguished recipients, JIANG Heng won the First Prize for his innovative project, "Dragonfly Eyes: Microsecond Panoramic Thumb Cameras." Additionally, TSOI Chi Chung and XIE Fengjia secured Third Prizes for their projects: "High-Throughput Digital Microfluidics Platform for Microalgae Screening and Cultivation" and "NADew: Synthesis and Encapsulation of NADH, A Highly Effective Anti-Aging Ingredient," respectively. This competition serves as a vital platform to attract global youth talent, encouraging innovative business ventures in Huzhou and reinforcing its status as the “Youth Entrepreneurship New Town.” Prof. Zhang and his team are excited to contribute to this vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.

Prof. Jiong Zhao achieves groundbreaking discovery in the structure and synthesis of 2D ferroelectrics

A research team led by Prof. Jiong ZHAO, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Physics, has made a significant breakthrough in the structure and synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics. Their work enhances the understanding and potential applications of these materials in microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technologies. Utilizing advanced atomic resolution techniques, the team successfully synthesized 2D ferroelectrics, including Indium Selenide (In2Se3), which promises high efficiency for next-generation electronic devices. These materials exhibit rapid carrier mobility and lower energy consumption, making them ideal for applications in high-density memory devices and neuromorphic systems. Due to his exceptional research achievements, Prof. Zhao has been honored with the Excellent Young Scientists Fund by the National Natural Science Foundation. Additionally, his research projects have garnered support from the Collaborative Research Fund of the Research Grants Council and the Innovation and Technology Fund from the Innovation and Technology Commission.   Press release: English | 中文   Online coverage: Mirage News 2D Ferroelectrics Discovery Boosts Tech, AI, Quantum 18 February 2025 Wen Wei Po 理大二維鐵電體研究突破 推動微電子AI領域發展 18 February 2025

Undergraduate Students Win Excellence Award at National Undergraduate Physics Experiment Competition

It is proud to announce that undergraduate students Zhu Qizheng, Li Sihui, Wang Qinyan, WONG Hei, and Fu Keyan from our department have achieved the Excellent Award at the 2024 10th National Undergraduate Physics Experiment Competition. Their project featured a video of point discharge physics experiment. The National Undergraduate Physics Experiment Competition is a prestigious event that encourages university students across the country to engage deeply with physics and experimental methodologies. This competition not only fosters interest in physics but also enhances students' innovative spirit, practical abilities, and teamwork skills. Congratulations to our students on this remarkable achievement, which reflects their hard work and dedication to academic excellence. 

Xie Fengjia and Tsoi Chi Chung Win Bronze Medal in the "Tongxin Cup" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Chinese Students 2024

Xie Fengjia and Tsoi Chi Chung, who are PhD graduates and now postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Applied Physics, have been awarded the Bronze Medal in the 5th "Tongxin Cup" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Chinese Students of Quanzhou City 2024 (Incubation Group). Their groundbreaking research project, titled "Photogenerated NADH Microdroplets for Anti-Aging," earned them a cash prize of CNY 20,000. This competition aims to inspire young talents' innovative spirit and entrepreneurial awareness while promoting collaboration between industry, academia, research, and application. This achievement underscores the potential impact of their work in advancing anti-aging technologies.

Prof. Daniel Lau develops library of polarised vdW heterobilayers for exploring novel 2D materials, securing support from NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme

Prof. Daniel Lau, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics, has initiated a groundbreaking project to create a library of polarised van der Waals (vdW) heterobilayers. With the aim to screen materials with significant development potential for nanoelectronics, photonics, and spintronics, this research project has already secured the finanical support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Research Scheme 2024/25. With a funding of approximately HK$3.55 million over 48 months, the project seeks to develop a simulation model to accelerate the identification of a large number of 2D vdW materials for promising polarised heterobilayers for further experimental evaluation. The anticipated outcome includes enhanced density and performance in the next generation of non-volatile memory devices and in-memory computing systems.   Press release: English | 中文   Online coverage: Hong Kong Commercial Daily 理大研究創建極化vdW異質雙層數據庫 獲國家自然科學基金及研資局合作研究重點項目計劃支持 17 December 2024 Hong Kong China News Agency 港理大研究創建數據庫 助探索嶄新二維材料 17 December 2024

Heng JIANG and Xu LI were awarded first runner-up in the National Finals of the "Guanghua Star" Optical Competition

Heng Jiang and Xu Li, PhD students from Prof. Zhang Xuming's research group, proudly secured the first runner-up position in the National Finals of the second "Guanghua Star" Optical Competition. Their innovative project, titled "Dragonfly Vision: Microsecond Panoramic Thumb Cameras," earned them a cash prize of CNY 20,000. The Guanghua Star Optics Competition is a prestigious event co-hosted by the Light Publishing Group and Huawei. This competition aims to create an open, fair, and professional platform for students to engage with optics and optical engineering. It encourages participants to delve into optical principles, explore the applications of optical technology, and undertake innovative optical designs. Heng and Xu’s project exemplifies the competition's spirit, showcasing their commitment to advancing optical technology through rigorous study and creative application. Their achievement not only highlights their dedication but also underscores the high caliber of research conducted at PolyU AP.

Prof. Yang CHAI has been awarded the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024

Congratulations to Prof. CHAI Yang from the Department of Applied Physics for being recognized as one of five scholars from Hong Kong universities to receive the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024. Prof. Chai attended the award ceremony on 16 December 2024, where he received this honor in the category of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. He was recognized for his pioneering work in in-sensor computing paradigms for artificial vision sensors, enabling information processing directly within the sensors. The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize honors exceptional scientists and research teams in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation Each laureate receives a prize of HK$2 million. Once again, congratulations to Prof. Chai on this outstanding achievement! Press release: English | 中文 Online coverage: RTHK HK needs to have broad innovation development: FS 16 December 2024 Wen Wei Po  中銀科創獎壯大本地人才庫 17 December 2024 Hong Kong Commercial Daily  中銀科技創新獎2024舉行頒獎典禮 5名不同領域學者獲獎 16 December 2024 Orange News  中銀香港科技創新獎 2024今頒獎 陳茂波：要建設好支持全面創新體系 16 December 2024 Hong Kong China News Agency  5位學者分別獲中銀香港科技創新獎 16 December 2024 China News Service  香港财政司司长陈茂波：过去两年逾百家企业落户香港创逾1.7万个职位 16 December 2024 Macau Daily  五學者獲中銀香港科創獎  17 December 2024 ezone 2024中銀香港科技創新獎得主出爐 聚焦 AI、生命健康等五大領域 科研成果造福社會 13 November 2024 China Review News 科研成果貢獻大 五學者獲中銀科創獎 12 November 2024 Guangzhou Daily 一千萬獎金！ 「中银香港科技创新奖2024」获奖者名单揭晓 12 November 2024 RTHK 中銀香港科技創新獎５名學者獲獎 盧煜明稱對科創發展至關重要 (English|中文) 11 November 2024 China Daily Five scholars bag HK$2m prizes for scientific breakthroughs 11 November 2024 Hong Kong Economic Journal 中銀香港科技創新獎2024公布獲獎名單 11 November 2024 Ta Kung Pao 五傑獲「中銀香港科技創新獎2024」獎項總獎金1000萬 11 November 2024 Wen Wei Po 中銀香港科技創新獎５名學者獲獎 盧煜明稱對科創發展至關重要 11 November 2024 Hong Kong Commercial Daily 中銀香港科技創新獎2024公布獲獎名單 下月16日舉行頒獎典禮 11 November 2024 Bastille Post ５學者獲頒發中銀香港科技創新獎 盧煜明稱對技創新發展至關重要 11 November 2024 Dot Dot News 中銀科創獎獲獎名單揭曉 總獎金達1000萬 11 November 2024 Orange News 中銀香港科技創新獎5獲獎學者名單出爐 包括柴揚黃秀娟等 11 November 2024 Bauhinia “中銀香港科技創新獎2024”獲獎者名單揭曉 聚焦五大領域 推進發展新質生產力 11 November 2024 Yahoo HK 中銀香港科技創新獎５名學者獲獎 盧煜明稱對科創發展至關重要 11 November 2024 Quamnet 盧煜明:今屆「中銀創科獎」有10%提名來自大灣區內地 11 November 2024 Sina HK 中銀香港科技創新獎５名學者獲獎 盧煜明稱對科創發展至關重要 11 November 2024 Hong Kong China News Agency 中銀香港科技創新獎1000萬港元獎勵五位學者 11 November 2024 China News Service 香港5大领域学者获“科技创新奖” 11 November 2024 ifeng.com “中银香港科技创新奖2024”获奖者名单揭晓 聚焦五大领域 推进发展新质生产力 11 November 2024 Science Net 香港5大领域学者获“科技创新奖” 11 November 2024      

Prof. Yang CHAI named the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Fellow Class of 2025

Congratulations to Prof. Chai Yang, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty and Professor in the Department of Applied Physics, on being named a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow Class of 2025 for his work in bioinspired in-sensor computing. The IEEE is the largest technical professional organization in the world, dedicated to advancing technology for humanity’s benefit, with over 460,000 members in more than 190 countries. The Fellow designation recognizes exceptional achievement in the field and is reserved for individuals with a distinguished record of accomplishments in IEEE disciplines. This prestigious honor is regarded as a significant career milestone, with no more than 0.1% of the IEEE voting membership receiving Fellow recommendations each year. Once again, heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Chai!   Online coverage: The Paper 2025 IEEE Fellow名单出炉：戴琼海、姜大昕、尹首一、翟广涛、褚晓文等入选 7 December 2024 NetEase 刚刚，2025 IEEE Fellow名单出炉：戴琼海、姜大昕、尹首一、翟广涛、褚晓文等人入选 7 December 2024 Sina 2025 IEEE Fellow名单正式公布！戴琼海院士等120余位华人入选 7 December 2024 Sohu 2025 IEEE Fellow名单正式公布！戴琼海院士等120余位华人入选 7 December 2024 qq 刚刚，2025 IEEE Fellow名单出炉：戴琼海、姜大昕、尹首一、翟广涛、褚晓文等人入选 7 December 2024