2.Liu Yaohong

Liu Yaohong，deputy director of the Joint Institute of Nuctech Company Limited: exploring the peak of accelerator R&D

The deputy director of the Joint Institute of Nuctech doesn’t talk much; however, from his eyes, one can feel a mixture of kindness and firmness.

Using those traits Liu Yaohong has diligently and enthusiastically researched and developed accelerators for more than 20 years.

In 1993, Liu was admitted to the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for the Machine-building Industry for postgraduate study after graduating from Tsinghua University. He then became involved in a national project for accelerator research.

At the time, most of such facilities in China were imported from Varian, a long-standing American company. Since the US government had imposed an embargo on shipment of high-tech products to China, most of the accelerators couldn’t be maintained or fixed properly if they didn’t function well.

Many elite college students at that time chose to study or work abroad after graduation, but Liu chose to stay in China to conquer the difficulties in accelerator research.

An accelerator is a high-tech device combining particle physics, microwave technology, sophisticated machinery, and electronic science. To achieve a better understanding of such a complicated instrument, Liu studied microwave, machine design, singlechip technology, C++, and PLC among other fields each evening after a full day’s work.

In 2002, Liu and his team began research into a special accelerator and made advances in control, power supply and structure. Previously, Liu’s foreign peers had considered the project a mission impossible.

While his American competitors struggled to understand the improvement, Liu’s new accelerator passed product testing and entered mass production for overseas sales.

For all his work and achievements, Liu has received numerous awards at national and provincial levels, including a top patent award.