From July to December 2025, Yuze Li, an undergraduate student from the College of Optical Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University, went to the Department of Electrical Engineering at Yale University for a six-month research exchange. With the support of an internationally leading engineering and scientific research platform, he actively participated in the research work of relevant teams at Yale University, conducting systematic studies in the fields of integrated photonics and nonlinear optics. He was involved in the performance testing and optimization of aluminum nitride (AlN) on-chip photonic waveguide devices, as well as the preparation and characterization of periodically poled crystals, providing more valuable research directions for subsequent studies on the characterization of on-chip photonic waveguide devices and the preparation of periodically poled crystals.
This research exchange project was conducted under the guidance of Professor Hongxing Tang from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Yale University. Professor Tang has long been engaged in research on integrated photonics, nonlinear optics, and micro-nano optomechanical systems, with significant international influence in the fields of on-chip photonic devices, microwave-optical conversion, and novel optical materials and devices. His research team, supported by Yale University's Department of Electrical Engineering, leverages its comprehensive experimental facilities and interdisciplinary environment to provide robust support for cutting-edge photonic device research and engineering implementation.
During the scientific research exchange, Yuze Li effectively advanced multiple research tasks aligned with the research group's established objectives. In experimental research, he focused on periodically poled crystals as the core subject, primarily addressing the dimensional limits of ferroelectric domain structures. Through systematic optimization of experimental parameters and processes, he continuously pushed the development of polarization structures toward smaller scales, while validating and analyzing results with microscopic characterization techniques. Additionally, he emphasized collaboration with related research at Zhejiang University, contributing to the preparation and submission of a paper.
During the academic exchange,Yuze Li fully utilized Yale University's abundant academic resources, actively participated in various high-level academic exchange activities, attended lectures delivered by renowned overseas professors, further deepened his understanding of cutting-edge research issues, and broadened his international scientific research perspective.
When discussing this research exchange experience, student Yuze Li remarked, The research environment at Yale University emphasizes open communication and deep thinking, prioritizing solutions grounded in physical mechanisms to address practical problems. In the process of advancing the size limits of periodically polarized structures, I profoundly realized the importance of experimental detail control and teamwork. This research training not only enhanced my experimental and research capabilities but also strengthened my resolve to pursue further studies in integrated photonics and nonlinear optics. Moving forward, I aim to continue accumulating expertise in related fields and strive to achieve more valuable outcomes in scientific research.
Yuze Li participation in the research exchange program at Yale University this time is supported by the 2025 Top World-Class University Undergraduate Study Program initiative of the Undergraduate College of Zhejiang University, which provides robust backing for students to engage in high-level international research exchanges and training.
In recent years, the College of Optical Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University has continuously promoted the construction of an international student training system, actively expanded cooperation channels with world-class universities and research institutions, and provided support for students to participate in international cutting-edge research through various methods such as research exchange projects, joint training, and special funding.
In the future, the College of Optical Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University will further strengthen collaboration and international cooperation, continuously improve the construction of international research exchange and practice platforms, encourage more outstanding undergraduate students to pursue world-class research platforms, continuously hone their abilities and expand their horizons through high-level academic exchanges and research practices, and lay a solid foundation for cultivating high-level innovative talents with international competitiveness.
