Major Progress in Low-dimensional Nanostructures, Outstanding Teaching at Tsing Hua ~ Exclusive Interview with Professor Lih J. Chen
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Text: Chien-hui Chen (陳千惠) |
Having received the prestigious honor of becoming a Member of Academia Sinica in 2006, Professor Lih J. Chen is one of a very small number of scholars in the field of engineering to have been raised and nurtured in Taiwan over the longer term. After finishing his studies in the U.S., Professor Chen in 1977 started to do research and to teach in National Tsing Hua University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Over the years since then, his students have spread out all over the globe and his research work has received international recognition. Having begun with metal silicides and thin film materials, his research has progressed to his current work on low-dimensional nanomaterials. The objects of his research have become increasingly small, but the scope of his work has become increasingly broad.
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Synthesis, Characterization and Application of the Basic Growth Mechanisms of Low-dimensional Nanostructure Materials
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The study of low-dimensional nanomaterials has become a popular research topic over the last decade or so. The advantages of these materials are that they are smaller and more efficient. “Low-dimensional” refers to zero-dimensional (point) and one-dimensional (line), with zero-dimensional nanostructures mainly finding their application in light-emitting diode and catalytic technologies, and one-dimensional nanostructures being used in flat panel displays. Since the latter can be made as thin as a sheet of paper, they can be developed into television and computer screens that can be rolled up and carried away. Moreover, the oxide nanobelts made using nanotechnology possess semiconductor properties and can be used in the detection of very small traces of toxic gases, due to their being more sensitive than traditional gas detection equipment. Such research will greatly change the world in which we live.
After many years of researching metal silicides, Professor Lih J. Chen has more recently had impressive achievements in studying low-dimensional nanomaterials. These have included the development and fabrication of p-type ZnO nanogenerators and n-ZnO/p-GaN light-emitting diodes with their excellent characteristics, the fabrication of a variety of components of multilayered SnO2 alcohol sensors, as well as quantitative measurements of the loading of single cells on silicon nanowire arrays. In 2009, Professor Chen published three papers, one in each of three top journals – Nano Letters, Advanced Materials and Advanced Functional Materials.
“Before engaging in research on low-dimensional nanostructures, I was still rather hesitant. After all, it was a new field to me.” After getting involved in research of the future and how to nurture his students into consideration, in 2003 Professor Chen decided to enter this field, and the more he engaged in it, the more comfortable he became. The students that he cultivated have become highly sought-after faculty in various universities. “I believe that this is the foundation laid by my past research, and the tools I need are much the same,” Professor Chen said.
From the time that Professor Chen arrived in Taiwan with his mother at the age of three, both he and his brother were always hardworking and fond of studying, and such habits persisted right up to when he became a professor. Characterized by his “7-11” workaholic mentality, he has almost never rested in his entire life. After reaching the age of fifty, he felt that his efficiency was not particularly high after seven in the evening, and so he adjusted his schedule to “7-7”. However, in 2010 when he was selected to serve as the President of National Tsing Hua University, he reverted back to his “7-11” lifestyle, but with the hope that he can slowly return to a “7-7” workday. When asked how he could maintain a close relationship with his family despite working so hard, he replied with a smile: “Every day I eat my breakfast and evening meal at home!” “As long as my wife does not complain then it’s fine. My wife is very considerate and supporting, and I am very grateful to her.”
Having been engaged in research and teaching over many years, Professor Chen relies on daily walks in the hills on campus to remain in good physical shape. He also reads books about the history of literature and philosophy to balance and adjust his life. His books fill the 1,400 square feet home that he bought. He seldom watches TV, and enjoys traveling. During summer and winter vacations he will travel together with other professors and their families. With his vast network of contacts, in just his first year as President of NTHU he secured much funding for the university.
“I consider myself to be MIT, that is ‘Made in Tsing Hua’. My achievements are those given to me by Tsing Hua.” Because he has lived in Kuangming Village which is adjacent to the university since he was very young, most of his life has been spent forming bonds with Tsing Hua. Having done his best to contribute to the university with a thankful heart, he regards Hsinchu Provincial High School’s principal, Mr. Hsin Chih-Ping, as his idol. “He set an example for others, and devoted all his efforts to running the school well. He was able to resist the pressure of the high school and college entrance examinations and enabled us to receive a more complete education. I believe this is very important for students.” Professor Chen says that it was at Hsinchu Junior High School that he learnt to swim. He also hopes that his students at NTHU will not kill themselves reading books, but will broaden their vision. Asian students have the characteristic of being very diligent, but they are also rather passive. They should grasp the opportunities they have to frequently ask questions, and by so doing they will accomplish even more.
After many years of researching metal silicides, Professor Lih J. Chen has more recently had impressive achievements in studying low-dimensional nanomaterials. These have included the development and fabrication of p-type ZnO nanogenerators and n-ZnO/p-GaN light-emitting diodes with their excellent characteristics, the fabrication of a variety of components of multilayered SnO2 alcohol sensors, as well as quantitative measurements of the loading of single cells on silicon nanowire arrays. In 2009, Professor Chen published three papers, one in each of three top journals – Nano Letters, Advanced Materials and Advanced Functional Materials.
“Before engaging in research on low-dimensional nanostructures, I was still rather hesitant. After all, it was a new field to me.” After getting involved in research of the future and how to nurture his students into consideration, in 2003 Professor Chen decided to enter this field, and the more he engaged in it, the more comfortable he became. The students that he cultivated have become highly sought-after faculty in various universities. “I believe that this is the foundation laid by my past research, and the tools I need are much the same,” Professor Chen said.
From the time that Professor Chen arrived in Taiwan with his mother at the age of three, both he and his brother were always hardworking and fond of studying, and such habits persisted right up to when he became a professor. Characterized by his “7-11” workaholic mentality, he has almost never rested in his entire life. After reaching the age of fifty, he felt that his efficiency was not particularly high after seven in the evening, and so he adjusted his schedule to “7-7”. However, in 2010 when he was selected to serve as the President of National Tsing Hua University, he reverted back to his “7-11” lifestyle, but with the hope that he can slowly return to a “7-7” workday. When asked how he could maintain a close relationship with his family despite working so hard, he replied with a smile: “Every day I eat my breakfast and evening meal at home!” “As long as my wife does not complain then it’s fine. My wife is very considerate and supporting, and I am very grateful to her.”
Having been engaged in research and teaching over many years, Professor Chen relies on daily walks in the hills on campus to remain in good physical shape. He also reads books about the history of literature and philosophy to balance and adjust his life. His books fill the 1,400 square feet home that he bought. He seldom watches TV, and enjoys traveling. During summer and winter vacations he will travel together with other professors and their families. With his vast network of contacts, in just his first year as President of NTHU he secured much funding for the university.
“I consider myself to be MIT, that is ‘Made in Tsing Hua’. My achievements are those given to me by Tsing Hua.” Because he has lived in Kuangming Village which is adjacent to the university since he was very young, most of his life has been spent forming bonds with Tsing Hua. Having done his best to contribute to the university with a thankful heart, he regards Hsinchu Provincial High School’s principal, Mr. Hsin Chih-Ping, as his idol. “He set an example for others, and devoted all his efforts to running the school well. He was able to resist the pressure of the high school and college entrance examinations and enabled us to receive a more complete education. I believe this is very important for students.” Professor Chen says that it was at Hsinchu Junior High School that he learnt to swim. He also hopes that his students at NTHU will not kill themselves reading books, but will broaden their vision. Asian students have the characteristic of being very diligent, but they are also rather passive. They should grasp the opportunities they have to frequently ask questions, and by so doing they will accomplish even more.
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