Tsung-Dao Lee: hope fortunes smile on the young
Pioneer of the China-US technology collaboration recounts the development of Chinese high-energy physics and his message to the youth.
Professor Tsung-Dao Lee, renowned Chinese-American physicist and one of the youngest Nobel laureates, passed away in San Francisco on August 4, at the age of 97.
Witnessing the inception and development of high-energy physics in China, Lee significantly advanced academic research and talent development in Chinese universities and pioneered earliest China-US scientific collaboration projects.
At just 30, Lee shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with Chen-Ning Yang for their work that “upsets the basic concept in physics.”
At the entrance of the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of Chinese Academy of Sciences stands a sculpture designed by Mr. Lee, which features a poem written by him, titled “The Tao of All Matter.”
IHEP is next to my university, but I never noticed this sculpture during my schooldays, so I went there and took photos of it the other day.
This sculpture resembles a “yin”-“yang” 阴阳 pattern of ancient Chinese philosophy that is being dispersed by a high-speed airflow, appearing to be in rapid motion.
The poem reads:
“物之道：道生物，物生道，道为物之行，物为道之成，天地之艺物之道。”
"The Tao of All Matter: Tao creates matter, matter generates Tao. Tao shapes the action of matter, matter forms the completion of Tao. The Art of the universe is the Tao of all matter."
Some Lee’s words, if you have ever read, are quite inspiring and may offer you a glimpse of who he was like. I share them here.
“上帝在天上为什么不掉到地下来？”——当做牧师的祖父对他讲到天上的上帝，李政道如是问。
“Why doesn’t God fall from heaven to earth?”
--Lee asked when his grandfather, a pastor, spoke of God.
“当一个人生存很艰难困苦的时候，你问他活着有什么意思，为什么活？在战乱和饥荒中到处都在死人，死跟生是很近的，总要有一个动力让你觉得要活下去。对我来说是什么动力呢？我看了那套商务印书馆的大学教科书，知道了自然界居然是有定律的！” ——1942年春天，李政道在赣州短暂安顿下来，也在那第一次读到了《普通物理学》。
“When life is extremely tough, you can ask someone what the meaning of living is. During wars and famines, death is as near as life, and there must be a force that makes you want to live. For me, the force was the laws of nature I discovered through a set of university textbooks published by the Commercial Press.”
-- In the spring of 1942, Yang briefly settled in Ganzhou, where he first encountered General Physics.
“在复旦大学，我看到的唯一的研究工作仅仅是测量几只大电灯泡的功率。绝大多数的同学不在学校里学习，而是下乡去劳动，也就是为人民服务去了。在复旦大学，只有少数的工农兵同学。从他们的谈话中发现，他们虽然很热情，可是他们对科学最基本的常识缺少了解，几乎完全是科盲。他们既无机会学习，也不知道需要学习什么。这样，如何为人民服务呢？”
“At Fudan University, the only research I saw involved measuring the power of a few large light bulbs. The majority of students were not at the university to study but had been sent to the countryside to work, which was described as serving the people. At Fudan, only a few worker-peasant-soldier students remained. In conversations with them, it was clear they were enthusiastic, yet they lacked even the most basic understanding of science, almost completely scientifically illiterate. They had no opportunity to learn, nor did they know what they needed to learn. How, then, could they truly serve the people?”
He was quite humble when he became the youngest Nobel laureate in the science fields after the World War II.
“没有过去的经验，没有现在的激励，就不会产生我们今天的观念和知识；没有将来的实验，我们今天的观念和知识也不能进化。虽然这许多因素构成了任何进步的整体，人们往往只记得最后光辉的收获而忘记了其中辛勤的耕耘。在今天隆重的典礼上，我格外感受到，有了许多伟大的物理学家，他们为人类对自然的了解做出了很大的贡献，但还没有像我们今天这样被授予如此的荣誉。”——1957年12月10日，在瑞典斯德哥尔摩举办的诺贝尔奖授奖仪式上，李政道谦逊地表示。
“A scientific accomplishment is always the cumulative result of many people working in the same field or related fields. Our present concept and knowledge cannot exist without past experiences, may not originate without present stimulations, and will not evolve without future experimentations. While all these form an integral part of any progress, it is often the reaping that is remembered but the tilling forgotten. On this solemn occasion, I am singularly aware of the many great physicists who have contributed much to our understanding of nature but who have not yet been so honored as I am today.”
-- Tsung-Dao Lee’s speech at the Nobel Banquet in Stockholm, December 10, 1957
He also takes special care of young people.
“你可以自由地从事自己选择的物理研究。”——在得知自己的学生准备回国后，李政道给了他4000美元的补贴金，后面附着这句话。
“You are free to engage in the physics research of your choice.”
-- Upon learning that one of his students was preparing to return to China, Lee provided a $4,000 grant with this encouragement.
“一个人的成功有着各种各样的因素，其中‘机遇’也许是最重要的，也是最难驾驭的。希望更多类似的机遇能够光顾年轻人。”——60岁生日时，李政道写下这段话，回忆自己早年为年轻物理学人才的奔走所花费的心血。
“Success in life is shaped by various factors, among which ‘fortunes’ may be the most important and the most elusive. I hope that similar fortunes will smile on the young.”
-- On his 60th birthday, Yang wrote these words, reflecting on his early efforts to support young physicists.
And I just came across an article written by Lee himself, titled “Contributing My Humble Efforts to Chinese High Energy Physics”为中国高能物理尽微薄之力, where he discusses his involvement in developing China’s high energy physics and initiating the earliest China-U.S. scientific collaborations.
The article was originally published in Science Times, now known as China Science Daily 中国科学报. I translated it as below and all the words in bold are added by me.
为中国高能物理尽微薄之力
Contributing My Humble Efforts to Chinese High Energy Physics
High-energy physics has been one of my primary scientific pursuits. Over the past thirty-plus years, I have had the privilege of closely engaging with the development of high-energy physics in China, witnessing its challenging yet successful progress. I am even more honored to have had the opportunity to personally contribute, albeit modestly, to its growth and advancement. Today, China’s high-energy physics field has made a strong start and is steadily progressing. Reflecting on this journey of development, I believe it is meaningful to recount these experiences.
The Beginning of My Engagement with High Energy Physics in China
My first involvement with Chinese high-energy physics research was in September 1972, marking my first visit back to China since leaving for the United States in September 1946. Upon arriving in Beijing with my wife, even before meeting with Premier Zhou Enlai, I was arranged by Premier Zhou to discuss an important issue with Professor Zhang Wenyu张文裕 from the Institute of Atomic Energy of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. At that time, the Institute had recorded an ultra-high-energy event at the Yunnan Cosmic Ray Station, situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters, using a large magnetic cloud chamber. They believed this event might indicate the presence of a new heavy particle. Professor Zhang, along with the research team involved in this work, specifically came to the Beijing Hotel, where I was staying, to discuss the findings with me. My old friend Zhu Guangya朱光亚 also joined the discussion. In total, about ten scientists participated in the meeting.
Shortly after this discussion, Premier Zhou received my wife and me at the Great Hall of the People. During this meeting, we revisited the topic. I noted that accurately determining the probability required the scientists at the Yunnan Cosmic Ray Station to carefully re-evaluate their calculations. If the probability of error was indeed around one percent, it might not serve as definitive proof of a new particle, but it could still be significant as an indication of a possible new phenomenon. I suggested that China resume the publication of its physics journal and publish the article in Chinese with an English abstract.
As Mr. Zhang Wenyu mentioned during our discussion that he would be visiting the United States at the end of that year. I suggested to Premier Zhou that Mr. Zhang should take the English abstract with him to share with his American colleagues. This was a strategic move, as the high-energy proton accelerator at Fermilab in the U.S. was soon to be completed. If there indeed was a new particle ten times heavier than a proton, it would likely be discovered within the energy range of the Fermilab accelerator. By publishing the article in the Chinese physics journal with an English abstract, China’s findings, even if only indicative, would hold some academic value. Although this particle was never discovered, the resumption of many publications like Chinese Physics was a positive outcome. It demonstrated that China continued to pursue high-energy physics research despite facing significant challenges at the time, which was an achievement in itself.
China’s Own Development Path
In 1975, the Chinese government approved the construction of a 40 GeV proton synchrotron accelerator (BPS). Although I had some reservations with the decision to build a large proton accelerator, I endeavored to support the project. I recognized that the plan would face numerous challenges. Beyond economic strength and determination, it was crucial to secure assistance from international, particularly American accelerator laboratories. Additionally, there was an urgent need to train talent in accelerator and experimental physics.
At that time, I considered the AGS accelerator at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) to be similar in energy range to the BPS and thus of significant reference value. Consequently, I reached out to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and BNL to arrange a visit for a Chinese delegation. Since China and the United States had not yet established formal diplomatic relations, organizing such a visit required navigating the complexities of dealing with the U.S. Department of Energy. This endeavor demanded considerable time and effort on my part.
Furthermore, I believed that as soon as China began constructing its accelerator, it was crucial to immediately start training experimental physicists. And it was effective to send personnels to American universities and national laboratories for academic exchanges. Therefore, in January 1979, I wrote to Vice Premier Fang Yi, offering Opinions on Training of High-Energy Experimental Physicists 关于培养高能实验物理学者的一些意见. Before making this proposal, I had already contacted over twenty American universities and three major national high-energy laboratories: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), and the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). These universities all had experimental groups working at the three major laboratories. By sending one or two scholars to each group and an additional three to five scholars to each of the three major laboratories, the total number of trained individuals could reach several dozen in a short period, meeting the initial requirements for conducting experiments once the high-energy accelerator was operational. Thanks to my efforts, the aforementioned universities and national laboratories welcomed the idea of hosting Chinese visiting scholars. The Chinese government quickly accepted my suggestions and immediately began the selection process for these scholars. By July of that year, the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with other relevant research institutes, had sent nearly 40 scholars to the five major national laboratories in the United States, several universities, and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). These scholars became known as the “Tsung-Dao Lee Scholars.”
Establishing the China-US High-Energy Physics Collaboration Model
After the Chinese government approved the plan to construct a high-energy accelerator, I felt that establishing a regularized, stable and guaranteed mechanism for China-US collaboration in high-energy physics community was crucial. However, since China and the United States had not yet established diplomatic relations, such collaboration required a formal agreement for assurance. Under these circumstances, I suggested that China immediately send a delegation of high-energy physics practitioners to the United States. I obtained consent from the U.S. Department of Energy and requested that Dr. Wolfgang Panofsky, Director of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, extend an invitation. In January 1979, a delegation led by Lin Zongtang林宗棠, chief engineer of Project 87, led a delegation to SLAC in the United States to discuss and implement specific collaborative projects between American national laboratories and China, and the reception of Chinese visiting scholars.
On the day before the meeting concluded, I learned that Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping and Vice Premier Fang Yi were scheduled to visit the United States. After the meeting, I immediately flew to Washington. During their visit, Deng and President Carter signed the U.S.-China Agreement on Scientific and Cultural Cooperation. The first protocol annexed to that agreement focused on high energy physics and was signed by Fang Yi and J.R. Schlesinger on January 31, 1979, known as the Implementing Accord between the Department of Energy of the United States of America and the State Scientific and Technological Commission of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation in the Field of High Energy Physics (中华人民共和国国家科学技术委员会和美利坚合众国能源部在高能物理领域进行合作的执行协议). This agreement formalized China's commitment to developing high-energy physics, constructing high-energy accelerators, and collaborating with the United States in this field.
To facilitate the execution of this agreement, I proposed the immediate formation of a joint committee, composed of representatives from both countries, to oversee the entire collaboration. Following consultations, the first meeting of the China-US Joint Committee on High-Energy Physics took place on June 11-12, 1979, at the Beijing Hotel. The meeting was divided into two groups: one focused on discussing collaborative projects, while the other addressed patent and copyright issues. Initially, it was expected that reaching an agreement on collaborative projects would be straightforward, whereas patent and copyright issues might cause delays or complications. However, to everyone's surprise, the patent and copyright discussions concluded smoothly and ahead of schedule, thanks to the efforts of both sides.
An unexpected situation, however, emerged. Dr. James E. Leiss, the head of the American delegation, revealed that he was not authorized by the Department of Energy to sign the U.S.-China agreement. He could only sign in his capacity as the American chairman of the High-Energy Physics Committee, which the Chinese side found unacceptable. This led to a stalemate. By the evening of June 11, with nightfall in China and daytime in the United States, the Chinese delegation insisted that the Americans obtain authorization from Washington. After extensive discussions, I eventually convinced Dr. Leiss to make the call. It was late at night, and no one was willing to rest while awaiting the outcome. The tension in the room was palpable. Some Chinese staff members, including Liu Huaizu and Ji Cheng, even slept on the meeting room floor due to a lack of available rooms. Finally, at dawn on June 12, we received the necessary approval from Washington. The Department of Energy had escalated the request all the way to the White House. Later that afternoon, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the State Science and Technology Commission of China and the U.S. Department of Energy officially signed the Annex to the Implementing Accord between the Department of Energy of the United States of America and the State Scientific and Technological Commission of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation in the Field of High Energy Physics and the U.S. Department of Energy and the China-U.S. High-Energy Physics Technical Cooperation Project from June 1979 to June 1980. This marked the formal beginning of U.S.-China cooperation in high-energy physics, one of the earliest high-tech collaboration projects between the two countries.
Lessons from a Tortuous Journey
China began its high-energy physics experimental research as early as 1956. Sixteen years later, in 1972, I returned to my homeland for the first time. From what I heard and observed, the development of China's high-energy physics research, specifically the construction of high-energy accelerators, followed a challenging path.
This journey full of twists and turns vividly illustrates the extraordinary challenges that the People's Republic of China faced in developing fundamental scientific research. Such prolonged fluctuations were clearly detrimental to the country's technological advancement. There are likely two significant reasons for this: political factors and awareness. The political situation needs no further elaboration.
As for awareness, the most crucial issue is how to view basic scientific research, particularly how to balance it with applied science research and sci-tech development. Opinions on the issue are always divided. I believe that basic science forms the foundation for applied science; to achieve economic advancement, we must prioritize basic science. This includes cultivating young talent in basic science early on and building a small yet highly skilled team. Government investment in basic science should be focused and consistent. There are many other perspectives on this issue, but the fundamental divide lies in whether to emphasize or undervalue basic scientific research.
Initially, I used the analogy of hands and feet to illustrate the equal importance of basic scientific research and applied science research. Later, I compared grain and medicinal herbs to highlight that while grain is crucial, it wouldn't be practical for everyone to focus solely on grain production without anyone producing medicinal herbs. Basic, applied, and sci-tech research must develop in a balanced manner, as extremes can lead to problems. I also used the analogy of water, fish, and fish markets to explain their interrelationship, emphasizing that basic scientific research is fundamental, but the importance of the other two should not be overlooked. Clearly, without water, there are no fish; without fish, there is no fish market.
I once wrote four lines to summarize this concept:
“Basic science is clear like water,
Applied science thrives like fish,
Product science builds the fish market,
All three are indispensable.”
The development of high-energy physics research in China faces unique challenges. Given the constraints of the country's economy and technological capabilities, the advancement of high-energy physics must be strategically aligned with the broader development of various sectors. By doing so, China can swiftly enter the global high-tech arena, establish a strong foothold, and nurture a highly skilled workforce. This approach not only positions China competitively on the world stage but also creates a foundation for future breakthroughs, bolstering the nation's scientific, technological, and economic growth.
In 1986, the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences began constructing the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider (BEPC) and the Beijing Spectrometer. The project quickly earned recognition and praise from scientists in the global high-energy physics community. Since BEPC's groundbreaking in 1984, the project has advanced rapidly, driven by the collective efforts of all involved. IHEP, with its focus on fundamental scientific research, successfully mobilized the Chinese industrial sector, leveraging its vast potential to produce a series of world-class high-tech products. Meanwhile, the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in the United States was designing the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and constructing a synchrotron radiation light source, both of which required advanced accelerator technology. BNL placed an order with IHEP for five high-quality electron accelerator tubes, valued at over $100,000. Remarkably, nearly 20 years later, three of these tubes are still in use at Brookhaven’s new free-electron laser facility. These facts underscore the significant role that fundamental research in high-energy physics plays in driving the development and application of scientific advancements and technological innovations. For a nation to thrive, we must not neglect basic science. It is crucial to maintain a balanced approach to the development of basic science, applied science, and technological innovation.
Hopes for the Future
The successful construction and operation of the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider (BEPC) and the Beijing Spectrometer mark a promising start for the development of high-energy physics in China. Reflecting on the remarkable history of this field in China fills me with profound emotions. When I first returned to my homeland in 1972, it was during the tumultuous era of the "Gang of Four." Yet, the Chinese people overcame these difficulties, strove for improvement, and worked together as one, leading to the impressive achievements we see today. The success of high-energy physics in China is just one example of this progress. I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed the extraordinary changes in China over the past thirty years. I eagerly anticipate even greater advancements in the new century and new era. I hope that China will achieve even more brilliant successes in both physics and other fundamental and applied sciences in the future! Enditem
*After taking a photo of the sculpture from the front, I changed my position to capture it from a different angle. As I snapped the photo, an airplane happend to fly by. I like this composition so I share it at the end.（Yuzhe）
