From September 20 to 27, 2025, the Future Scientists Training Program – Top Science Exploration Camp was successfully held at East China Normal University (ECNU). The event brought together nearly one hundred Shanghai high school students selected through the Future Scientists program. It was hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and co-organized by the Shanghai Science and Art Education Center and ECNU. Under the guidance of Professor Yuan Xiang, the "Principles of Nature" group carried out a week of intensive study and hands-on practice.
The opening ceremony took place on the morning of September 20 in Lecture Hall 105 of the Second Teaching Building. Professor Yuan introduced the group's central theme: What is quantum? How does the quantum world differ from the classical world? Using a quantum optics sandbox, he demonstrated a single-photon Mach-Zehnder interference experiment, inspiring students to reflect on the fundamental principles and unique features of the quantum world. Following the lecture, participants visited a series of laboratories at ECNU Minhang campus.
In the subsequent group sessions, the 21 students of the "Principles of Nature" team were divided into three subgroups, each guided by a graduate student from Professor Yuan's research group. Activities took place in Rooms 212 and 208, where the students engaged in thematic exploration and practical projects.
Group A, led by teaching assistant Yao Mingfan, focused on the conceptual differences between quantum and classical physics. Through guided inquiry, students explored and summarized the distinctive features of the quantum world, including superposition, randomness, and nonlocality.
Group B, under the guidance of teaching assistant Chen Xin, investigated light diffraction and the double-slit interference experiment. From theoretical principles to optical setup and observation, Chen provided comprehensive support. Students successfully observed both double-slit interference and single-slit diffraction and achieved a hands-on measurement of the laser wavelength at nanometer precision using only a centimeter-scale ruler.
Group C, mentored by teaching assistant Hao Congming, explored the fundamentals of quantum communication. Through case studies, online simulations, and group discussions, students investigated the properties of quantum states and their applications in information transmission. They completed a full project cycle from literature review and planning to model building and results presentation, successfully demonstrating the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol.
The closing ceremony was held on the afternoon of September 27 in Lecture Hall 105 of the Second Teaching Building. The "Principles of Nature" group joined students from other subject tracks to present their outcomes. Using presentations, models, and program demonstrations, each team clearly articulated their research process and conclusions. Professor Yuan provided comments on the presentations and helped select outstanding projects for recognition.
This year's Top Science Exploration Camp offered a valuable platform for science-minded students to engage in both theoretical and practical learning. By integrating research practice with teamwork, the program significantly enhanced participants' scientific inquiry skills and collaborative spirit. Looking ahead, the research group will continue to advance both scientific innovation and outreach, contributing to the cultivation of the next generation of scientific talent.
