Core Viewpoint - The passing of Professor Zhou Bingkun, a prominent figure in laser and optoelectronics in China, marks a significant loss for the scientific community, as he contributed greatly to the field and education over his lifetime [1][3]. Group 1: Personal Background - Zhou Bingkun was born in 1936 and graduated from Tsinghua University in 1956, where he later became a faculty member [3]. - He was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1991 and as an academician of the Third World Academy of Sciences in 2001 [3]. Group 2: Professional Contributions - Zhou served as the leader of the National 863 Program's "Optoelectronic Devices and Integrated Technology" expert group from 1987 to 1996, and held various significant positions in research institutions and committees [3][4]. - He was instrumental in the development of high-efficiency, long-lifetime, narrow-linewidth, and frequency-stable semiconductor laser-pumped solid-state lasers during his visit to Stanford University in the 1980s, which opened new avenues in solid-state laser technology [4]. - Zhou led research in information optoelectronics, achieving notable results in crystal fiber growth, optical fiber amplifiers, wavelength division multiplexing, and time division multiplexing optical communication technologies [4].

Core Viewpoint - The news announces the passing of Zhou Bingkun, a prominent scientist and educator in the field of laser and optoelectronics in China, who contributed significantly to the development of the discipline and the education of numerous talents [1][4]. Group 1: Personal Background and Contributions - Zhou Bingkun was born on March 2, 1936, in Chengdu and graduated from Tsinghua University in 1956, where he remained as a faculty member [3][4]. - He was a pioneer in the field of laser and optoelectronics, leading the establishment of the laser research group at Tsinghua University in 1962 and developing solid-state laser technology [4][5]. - Zhou's research led to the creation of various laser applications, including laser rangefinders and airborne laser altimeters, earning him the National Science Conference Award in 1978 [4]. Group 2: Academic and Professional Achievements - Zhou served in various prestigious roles, including President of the Chinese Optical Society and Vice President of the International Optical Union, and was a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences [4]. - He was recognized with multiple awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress Award and the National Technology Invention Award, for his contributions to the field [4]. Group 3: Educational Impact - Zhou Bingkun authored the textbook "Principles of Laser," which has become a classic in the field and has been revised to its 7th edition, significantly influencing the education of optical and optoelectronic talents [5]. - He was dedicated to teaching and mentoring students, many of whom have become leaders in the field, and he encouraged them to pursue their research directions with perseverance [5].