中国科学院院士、中国科学技术大学教授郭光灿—— 四十余载追寻量子之光（弘扬科学家精神）

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant contributions of Guo Guangcan in the field of quantum optics and quantum information science in China, emphasizing his role in establishing and promoting these fields domestically [1][2][4]. Group 1: Development of Quantum Optics - Quantum optics, a frontier discipline studying the quantum properties of light and its interaction with matter, was virtually non-existent in China until the early 1980s [2]. - Guo Guangcan, after studying abroad, was determined to initiate quantum optics research in China, leading to the first national quantum optics conference in 1984, which has been held biennially ever since, growing from dozens of attendees to over 800 by 2024 [2][3]. Group 2: Transition to Quantum Information - In the early 1990s, Guo identified quantum information as a promising research direction, which integrates quantum mechanics principles to process and transmit information, thus surpassing classical information technology [4]. - The establishment of the first national laboratory for quantum information in 1999 marked a significant milestone, supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and led to the formation of a research team that produced numerous results and trained a new generation of researchers [5][6]. Group 3: Advancements in Quantum Computing - Guo's team undertook the "solid-state quantum chip" project in 2011, which was crucial for developing China's own quantum chips, with a focus on empowering younger researchers to lead these efforts [7]. - The team achieved significant milestones, including a record-breaking quantum logic gate operation in 2013, and founded the first quantum computing company in China, aiming to create a user-interactive quantum computer [7][8]. Group 4: Impact and Future Directions - The third-generation superconducting quantum computer, "Benyuan Wukong," has been accessed over 25 million times by users from 139 countries, completing over 380,000 quantum computing tasks across various industries [8]. - Guo continues to engage in educational outreach, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent in quantum computing to ensure the field's future development [8].