Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering
Title: Fabrication of Advanced Targets for Laser Inertial Confinement Fusion Using Two-photon Polymerization.Advisor: Dr. Yongfeng Lu
I received my bachelor's degree from Changchun, China, majoring in optical engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on projects on laser-tattoo removal using a home-built Nd:YAG laser, which sparked my interest in lasers and laser material processing.
With the help of my friend, Dr. Yongliang Li, I started to apply for a Ph.D. position worldwide until I received a response from Dr. Lu, whose laboratory focuses on using lasers to establish and develop new techniques to solve practical problems. With Dr. Lu’s sponsorship, I came to Nebraska in 2018 and started my research in nanoscale 3D printing using a femtosecond laser. Collaborated with researchers from the Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester, we made a new type of fuel container, also called target, for laser inertial-confinement fusion experiments at the OMEGA Laser Facility. Besides, we also collaborated with Corning Inc, a leading company in the glass industry, to develop a new type of optical fibers for low-loss optical communications. Behind the projects mentioned above, we had some chances to present our work in the SPIE, NNCI image contests, and laser precision microfabrication symposium, where I networked with researchers from other universities.
Besides the research, experiences in Nebraska and UNL have also shaped my mind. People here are friendly and nice. Dr. Lu and other group members helped me a lot in the past five years. Our group have also accommodated interns from French and Japan so that I can work in a multi-cultural environment. Outside work, I like sports such as biking, hiking, tennis, badminton, muscle training, and also visiting all the national parks in the USA. After graduation, my plan is to continue my research as a postdoc in our group. Meantime, I am also interested in working in a different environment, such as industry, or going to Europe to experience more. It's hard to predict the future since I am still collecting information about other choices. But I believe no matter where I go, being a person who is easy to communicate, responsible, reliable, considerate, patient, and supportive to others is always my goal!
GO BIG RED!
Dr. Lu’s comments:
Aofei has be a wonderful member in our team. He is a great team player, a leader, a thinker, and a person who can be trusted and relied on. He has been leading the effort to produce advanced targets for laser fusion research, which requires to work with a large team of dozens of people with different backgrounds and agenda. He has learned how to take leadership and responsibility, how to combine science and technology, and how to deliver what are promised while keeping on exploring new territories. In the past five years, he has transformed himself from a student with dreams to a young man who can lead, contribute, and achieve.