Preface
From September 30th to October 7th, 2018, the exchange groupof the College of Optical Science and Engineering went to the KTH RoyalInstitute of Technology of Sweden to conduct a one-week exchange program, whichis quite rewarding and meaningful. The students studied in the KTH Departmentof Applied Physics for 7 days. We experienced 4 physics classes taught inEnglish, visited three laboratories which KTH takes pride in, and visited thestreets and museums to experience the local culture. It is worth mentioningthat during our tour study in Sweden, the Nobel Prize was released. Twooutstanding researchers in thelaserfieldawardedNobel Prize. We students majoring inoptics werevery delighted when hearing this result.
Group photo takenin front of the Albanova Campus of KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Part 1 Arrived in Sweden
After 11 hours of flight, we arrived in Sweden. Stockholmgreeted us with cool wind and fresh air. The beautiful landscape was veryimpressive such as typical Europe buildings and the clear blue sky. Next day, Mr.Forsberg led us to KTH. Peter Unsbo, Director of Applied Physics, gave us adetailed introduction to the cultural and academic atmosphere in KTH, as wellas a Swedish tea party tradition -- Fika, and some of the most famousattractions in Stockholm. We strongly felt the enthusiasm and hospitality ofthe Swedes because of their warm welcome. How wonderful the first impression Swedenleft us!
Part 2 KTH
During the week in Sweden, we attended several compulsorycourses of Applied Physics in KTH: Optical Physics, Statistical Mechanics,Solid State Physics, etc. We experienced a special teaching style here. Forexample, the professor of Optical Physics wrote all details on the blackboard.He preceded the class with a famous concept� Schrödinger’s cat, and then wenton to the photonic experiment indicating the quantum entanglement. On theblackboard he wrote all the key sentences and formulas. The professor of Solid-StatePhysics, differently, used both projector and blackboard to teach, hence thefigures could be very vivid. Besides, his handwriting was quite neat andbeautiful, which wasvery convenient for students.
In addition to attending class，We went for a visit in several famous laboratories in KTH.For instance, the Quantum Electro-optics lab, the Laser Physics lab, the Semiconductorlab, and the Nano-silicon lab. All the sophisticated apparatuses there areassembled and improved by onegeneration and another. It isthe atmosphere of freedom and openness that is greatly appealing. Heatedacademic discussions are conducted every day; researchers exchange theiropinions and go all out to go further in their programs. When introducing theirresearching programs, the lab manager spoke in a proud tone. They explained tous some fundamental principles, applications and prospects pertaining to theirresearches. Their positive and serious attitude towards research work inspiredus a lot.
Lecture on Optical Physics Lab visiting
Part 3 Close Experience aboutNobel Prize
The day we chose to visit Nobel Museum was coincidentallyidentical with the day when Nobel Prize in Physics was released. To welcomepeople zealous in science, the museum opensto thepublic for free. Histories of Nobel and all prizes during the past 100 yearsare listed. We were extremely excited to see CHEN NING YANG, TSUNG-DAO LEE, andCHARLES KUEN KAO � “Father of Fiber Optics” in exhibition hall. Around 12 o’clock, the Nobel Prize inPhysics was announced. To illustrate, the museum set up a lecture. They inviteda special guest, a member of Nobel Committee, to explain the content of the awardedwinners’ researches. We learned that two researchers related tolaser got the prize this year. They are Optical Tweezers and its application inbiological region, which is invented by Arthur Ashikin, an American physicist;and the Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA) technology used to produce laser ofhigh intensity, which is invented by a French physicist Gerard Mourou and a Canadianphysicist Donna Strickland. Interestingly, Strickland is the 3rd woman winner of Nobel Prize in Physics. After that ceremony, we all felt luckyto major in optics.
Part 4 Tourism in Sweden
KTH was very considerate to arrange a one-day sightseeing inStockholm, including the well-known VASA museum. VASA is a retired Swedishwarship built in the 17th century. The ship foundered after sailingabout 1,300 m into its maiden voyage in 1628. Because it shipwrecked in thefresh water, it was well preserved until now. This museum exhibits the body ofthe ship along with commentary on its construction, the shipwreck, and how itis salvaged from a gloomy corner of the Lake Mälaren in Stockholm. Thelegendary history of this warship is very mysterious and fascinating. We canclosely experience the military life and culture at that time, which is aninvaluable treasure.Moreover, we spent the rest of thatday onfurther visits, such as the Swedish Royal Palace (Kungliga Solettet)and the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). It is worthwhile to experience Swedenas much as possible in just 7 days.
Conclusion
One-week exchange was over.Everyone has returned to the intense learning life. We are grateful to thecollege and the school for their support forour project,the teachers who led the team, the teachers of the college office, and the KTHgraduate students who received us in Sweden, Cui, who graduated from ZhejiangUniversity. It is because of China’s basic national policy of opening to theoutside world and the school’s high regard for overseas exchanges that we canobtain such valuable opportunities. We sincerely hope that everyone can seizethe opportunity to participate in our school's foreign exchange projects, andhope that the footprint of our Zhejiang University Optoelectronics students cantravel to everywhere in the world!