As we all know, the father of China's atomic bomb and is Qian Sanqiang, so who is the mother of 's atomic bomb?
In 1945, the first atomic bomb was successfully tested in the United States, marking the advent of the era of nuclear weapons . The famous physicist Wu Jianxiong has participated in it. For this reason, she has also been discussed by the Chinese people.
Wu Jianxiong has been misunderstood by Chinese people throughout her life, so why does she always insist that she is Chinese?
Her temperament is as beautiful as an orchid, and her talent is beyond immortal
On May 31, 1912, a little girl was born in Liuhe, Taicang, Jiangsu Province. And this little girl was the later hero Wu Jianxiong.
Due to the family lineage, it was Wu Jianxiong’s turn to use the word "build". She ranked second, and then took the second word "xiong" in "hero", so the name Wu Jianxiong came from this.
Wu Jianxiong's grandfather Wu Yifeng was poisoned by feudal ideas, favored boys over girls, and did not value girls. only thought that girls were weak and weak, and would not become great in the future. As a result, her arrival did not bring much joy to the family, and Wu Jianxiong did not receive special care.
When Wu Jianxiong was three or four years old, her intelligence was revealed. She was even the best among boys, so she was recognized and valued by her family.
Her father Wu Zhongyi has very modern ideas. He is an extremely open-minded, insightful and courageous person . He has always believed in the equality of men and women, and does not think that women are inferior to men in any way, so he is very open-minded in his treatment of his daughter, and even lets her go to cram schools with the boys at home.
Wu Jianxiong was influenced by Wu Zhongyi since he was a child. He had a strong interest in natural science and read a large number of books under the guidance of his father. In 1923, Wu Jianxiong, who was only 11 years old, accompanied by his family, took the entrance examination of Suzhou Second Women's Normal University and successfully entered the school with a score of ninth place.
After graduation, Wu Jianxiong did not immediately go to Nanjing Central University to study. She knew that she was still weak in many areas and needed further study. So I went to China Public School in , intending to make up for the subjects I felt weak in and lay a solid cultural foundation for my studies at CUHK one year later.
During this year, she got acquainted with Mr. Hu Shi, a well-known scholar in the country at that time, and learned a lot of knowledge that benefited her a lot. Later, Wu Jianxiong said that Mr. Hu Shi could be said to be her guide in life, and that the teacher-student experience had a profound impact on her and was of great significance.
Hu Shi also said in public: "The experience of getting to know Wu Jianxiong and growing up with him is the most proud and proud experience in his life."
In 1930, , the autumn wind blew on my face, which was very exciting. It was in this mood that Wu Jianxiong entered Nanjing Central University to study. When she first entered CUHK, she chose the Department of Mathematics. After a while, she found that physics was more attractive to her, so she decided to switch from the Department of Mathematics to the Department of Physics.
You must know that the physics department of CUHK was well-known at that time, and there were many famous teachers in it. And Wu Jianxiong's vision is also very unique. In this field, she met another guide in her life, Shi Shiyuan, who had been a disciple of Madame Curie.
Under Shi Shiyuan’s careful guidance, Wu Jianxiong slowly embarked on the path of scientific research. Meeting Shi Shiyuan can be said to be a major turning point in Wu Jianxiong's life.
During the period of his studies, the country was in turmoil and the situation was unstable. There was an urgent need for a large number of talented people with real talents and practical knowledge to serve the country. Wu Jianxiong suddenly realized that it would not work if he continued like this. His feathers were not plump enough to protect the people of the country.
Only by cultivating your own strength in the long run can you have the strength to get out of difficulties in the future and contribute your own strength to the country. So in 1936, Wu Jianxiong decided to study alone at the University of California, Berkeley.
Seeking knowledge, meeting confidants on the road, and working together to enrich the rest of life.
In addition to serious study, many surprises will also happen in college. Wu Jianxiong met Yuan Jialiu who was also a Chinese international student in school.
Yuan Jialiu is the grandson of General Yuan, an important minister in the late Qing Dynasty and an important figure in the early Republic of China.. Although he was born into a distinguished family, his humble and kind temperament was not unconventional at all. Unlike his father, who was arrogant, he was calm and reserved, giving people a sense of solidity, which deeply attracted Wu Jianxiong.
They both have the same interests and hobbies. They stay together to study science and often work together. They have endless topics and have the same goals. develops into a couple over time. On May 30, 1942, at the home of Yuan Jialiu's mentor, Wu Jianxiong and Yuan Jialiu completed a major mission in life. They got married.
And with the help of Yuan Jialiu , it can be said that Wu Jianxiong's research has become more and more in-depth.
In 1944, under the recommendation of the great scientist Oppenheimer , Wu Jianxiong joined the "Manha Project", a major American project at that time, as a non-American national. In this project, Wu Jianxiong is not only the only non-American female scientist , but also participated in the most important part of the research.
So why do Americans use her so much?
It turns out that Wu Jianxiong has long been famous in the field of nuclear physics research, and has achieved many results. The host of the plus "Manhattan Project", Oppenheimer, a great scientist known as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb" in the United States, also particularly appreciated Wu Jianxiong.
Therefore, Wu Jianxiong, as a foreigner who had only been in the United States for a few years and did not even have American citizenship, was able to obtain special confidentiality permission to participate in the core work of such a confidential national defense science program.
An auspicious cloud rises into the sky, ushering in a new face in turbulent times.
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. This was a moment written in history, and it was also a moment that caused the world to sigh.
The mushroom cloud rising over Hiroshima not only brought the arrogant Japan to its knees, but also shocked the whole world. The powerful and shining mushroom cloud marks the arrival of a new era.
Wu Jianxiong’s contribution bore the brunt of the successful launch of the atomic bomb. It's even an exaggeration to say that if it weren't for her participation, the U.S. atomic bomb might have had to wait several more years to be developed.
The identity of national borders is controversial, and meritorious service and fame come late.
At that time, American social discrimination was extremely serious. It not only discriminated against women, but also discriminated against non-American scientists .
Unfortunately, Wu Jianxiong has both, so the United States did not mention Wu Jianxiong's contribution in its propaganda, but downplayed it in a few sentences.
It was not until 1992 that Wu Jianxiong, the woman behind this major incident, was officially made public by Columbia University .
Wu Jianxiong entered Columbia University in 1944 and performed extremely well in scientific work. However, it was not until 1952 that he was promoted to associate professor after the efforts of several colleagues in the department.
At that time, several great physicists felt unfair about this, including Lamb, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1955, and Townes, who won the Nobel Prize in 1964.
However, Wu Jianxiong, who is addicted to research, does not care about these external fame and fortune at all, and just concentrates on his work.
In 1966, "8 Decays", which she co-wrote with physicist Mozkowski, was published as . At that time, it was used as a reference for learning by many physicists, and this book still has a profound influence today. Dean of the School of Physics at Rutgers University Kuhler once said, If people who study physics can't even understand Wu Jianxiong's classic work, there is no need to study physics anymore.
Wu Jianxiong's achievements in experimental physics are rarely matched by others, and are even famous throughout the world.
She is called "Queen of Physics" by Westerners to express their respect and admiration. Within the entire physics community, Wu Jianxiong is also known as "Marie Curie of the East", which is also an affirmation of her ability and strength.
Study hard day and night, hiding his merits and fame. In 1956, Li Zhengdao, Yang Zhenning proposed a law of non-conservation of . As soon as this hypothesis was put forward, it was opposed by many powerful people and ridiculed by everyone. After all, was in everyone's subconscious mind at that time, and 's "law of conservation of the universe" had long existed and was irreversible.
In order to confirm the correctness of this non-conservation law, they found Wu Jianxiong. Based on science and hobbies, Wu Jianxiong spent more than half a year verifying Yang and Li's hypothesis after accepting help.
From the summer of 1956 to the beginning of 1957, she had been immersed in repeated experiments, and finally successfully confirmed the non-conservation law of Yang and Li. In 1957, Chen Ning Yang and Tsung-Dao Lee won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their contribution to the law of non-conservation.
At that time, many people were aggrieved for Wu Jianxiong and believed that she should be the most qualified to win the Nobel Prize. Without her verification, the law of non-conservation is an assumption that cannot be realized. Whether
wins or not is not particularly important to Wu Jianxiong. What she enjoys is the process of experimentation. She once said that although it was a pity not to win the Nobel Prize, she did not do these research just to win the prize.
"What I love is my career, not the Nobel Prize. Besides, Mr. Nobel is not my husband. What do I love about him? My husband's name is Mr. Yuan."
In 1958, Columbia University recruited Wu Jianxiong Promoted to full professor . In the same year, Princeton University awarded Wu Jianxiong the title of honorary doctor;
won the Research Corporation Award in January 1959. She was also the first female winner in the history of this award. ; In 1960, he became an honorary doctor of Couch College; In 1971, Wu Jianxiong, Yang Li and others were listed as outstanding celebrities in the Chinese community by New York magazine ; In 1976, Wu Jianxiong received the Ford Medal from the White House The National Science Medal awarded by his husband personally...
The frost on the temples came quietly, and he returned to his hometown with honor
Although most of Wu Jianxiong's scientific research achievements and academic honors were obtained abroad, she thought about returning to China. The idea of contributing to the country has never stopped.
Originally, Wu Jianxiong wanted to return to China and contribute to the country immediately after completing his studies. However, due to various constraints, he had no choice but to stay in the United States.
In daily life, Wu Jianxiong talks most about how we Chinese are. Her home has always retained Chinese-style decoration, and there are many Chinese paintings books.
Sometimes when talking to close friends in the United States, she often uses Chinese words to express herself. At the same time, she also teaches them to speak some simple Chinese.When she feels tired from working in the laboratory, she also uses the Chinese way to relieve herself.
I am a stranger in a foreign land, but I miss my family even more during the festive season.
During the years of living abroad, Wu Jianxiong missed his motherland and his relatives all the time. In fact, has been using a Republic of China passport since she arrived in the United States in 1936.
Until attended the International Conference in the Netherlands in 1952, she was unable to obtain an entry visa due to nationality issues. Later, she was able to enter the country with the help of friends.
Many similar things happened. In order to facilitate his research and development, Wu Jianxiong had to change his original intention and became an American citizen in 1954.
Wu Jianxiong has always looked forward to having the opportunity to return to China to visit relatives. She has not returned to the embrace of her motherland for many years. However, Sino-US relations had not yet thawed at that time, so she was never able to achieve her wish.
After 1972, the opportunity came and the relationship between the United States and China eased.
The next year, the homesick Wu Jianxiong and his wife returned to their hometown after a long absence with the support of their children.
Although he was probably prepared in his heart, after all, he was already old, not to mention his family in his hometown, but when he knew that they were all gone, Wu Jianxiong was still sad for a long time. Fortunately, with the comfort of her husband, Wu Jianxiong quickly calmed down his emotions.
During this rural trip, they also met many relatives and friends and received a warm welcome from them.
Premier Zhou also met with them in person. Premier Zhou's extensive knowledge and first-class academic demeanor made Wu Jianxiong and Yuan Jialiu always talk about it and admire them endlessly.
Wu Jianxiong and his husband also have another identity, that is, academician of Taiwan's " Academia Sinica " . Driven by the convenience of their status and a sense of mission, in 1981, the couple proposed to Taiwan to build a third-generation synchrotron radiation accelerator, a "magic lantern of science".
At the same time, they also participated in the research together and contributed a lot in the 12 years of scientific research. The accelerator was officially launched on October 16, 1993.
This achievement has enabled China to achieve a position on par with the United States and Europe in this field.
In 1982, Wu Jianxiong accepted employment from major domestic universities, gave up his high-paying honors in the United States, and returned to China where he had been away for a long time as a teacher.
She wants to pass on what she has learned throughout her life to these young generations who will shine for the motherland in the future. At the same time, when she returned to her hometown Suzhou , she donated US$250,000 to her hometown to support the construction of her hometown. Later, she became an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and contributed to domestic development.
And his husband Yuan Jialiu also made great contributions to the scientific research of the motherland and established an education fund.
On May 18, 1990, this is a day worth remembering. The asteroid with the international number 2752 was officially named "Wu Jianxiong Star".
In addition, Wu Jianxiong and her husband have a son named Wu Weicheng. He was born in Princeton, USA in February 1947. Influenced by my parents since childhood, I have been very interested in physics. Now he is also a famous physicist, contributing to the development of the country.
Ended his life and slept peacefully, and it has been passed down through the ages
In 1995, Wu Jianxiong, who was already 83 years old, suddenly suffered a stroke. Fortunately, the treatment was timely and the condition was not serious. Except for the impact on his vision, all other indicators were still normal. control range.
Another two years later, On February 16, 1997, , 5-year-old Wu Jianxiong suffered another stroke and induced cerebral hemorrhage. He died after ineffective treatment.
This year, Wu Jianxiong’s life came to a successful end.
Her only wish before she died was to tell the world that she was a Chinese. Although she had struggled outside for decades, her heart had never changed. In order to give his wife peace, Yuan Jialiu brought Wu Jianxiong's ashes back to Liuhe Town, Taicang, Suzhou, where she was born and raised, and was buried here.
After the death of his wife, Yuan Jialiu was sad for a while, then cheered up and continued to contribute his strength to the country. In 2001, when Yuan Jialiu was attending a seminar for overseas Chinese in Tianjin, he suddenly felt out of breath. The test result was that he had suffered a heart attack. Two years later, 's heart condition had another attack, and he suffered from myocardial infarction, cerebral thrombosis, and . He passed away in 2003.
Nowadays, when you go to Mingde Senior High School in Taicang City, Suzhou, you can still see a tombstone, which clearly says: An eternal Chinese!
can be regarded as fulfilling Wu Jianxiong’s last wish. No matter how long it takes or where she is, she will always be an authentic Chinese!
If young people are strong, the country will be strong; if young people are independent, the country will be independent. No matter in the past or today, Chinese children will always be the hope of the country. When a heroine leaves, I hope thousands of heroines will rise!
