Renowned Chinese-American physicist Chen-Ning Yang has passed away at the age of 103, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of theoretical physics.
Yang, a Nobel laureate in Physics, revolutionized our understanding of fundamental particles and forces by challenging the widely accepted "parity laws" β concepts that described symmetry between left and right. Alongside his colleague Tsung-Dao Lee, he successfully overturned these long-held theories, leading to significant breakthroughs in modern physics.
One of Yang's earliest yet most influential ideas dates back to 1953. He proposed an extension of the successful Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) theory, which described the interaction between electrically charged particles and light. This novel approach led to the development of the Yang-Mills theories β fundamental theories that have reshaped our comprehension of particle physics.
Yang's innovative work on gauge invariance laid the groundwork for the emergence of massive vector particles known as W bosons, responsible for radioactive decays. His concept also underpinned Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), which describes the strong nuclear force carried by quarks.
Despite facing formidable challenges, Yang persevered and made significant contributions to statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics. In his later years, he played a pivotal role in establishing large-scale research centers in China.
Throughout his illustrious career, Yang received numerous prestigious awards, including the US National Medal of Science and the Albert Einstein medal. His personal life was marked by two marriages and four children.
Yang's legacy is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. As we remember this pioneering physicist, we honor not only his groundbreaking work but also his unwavering dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe.
Yang, a Nobel laureate in Physics, revolutionized our understanding of fundamental particles and forces by challenging the widely accepted "parity laws" β concepts that described symmetry between left and right. Alongside his colleague Tsung-Dao Lee, he successfully overturned these long-held theories, leading to significant breakthroughs in modern physics.
One of Yang's earliest yet most influential ideas dates back to 1953. He proposed an extension of the successful Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) theory, which described the interaction between electrically charged particles and light. This novel approach led to the development of the Yang-Mills theories β fundamental theories that have reshaped our comprehension of particle physics.
Yang's innovative work on gauge invariance laid the groundwork for the emergence of massive vector particles known as W bosons, responsible for radioactive decays. His concept also underpinned Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), which describes the strong nuclear force carried by quarks.
Despite facing formidable challenges, Yang persevered and made significant contributions to statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics. In his later years, he played a pivotal role in establishing large-scale research centers in China.
Throughout his illustrious career, Yang received numerous prestigious awards, including the US National Medal of Science and the Albert Einstein medal. His personal life was marked by two marriages and four children.
Yang's legacy is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. As we remember this pioneering physicist, we honor not only his groundbreaking work but also his unwavering dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe.