Contributing to the “laser for human health”

Meet our doctoral candidate Zheng Wei!

Zheng Wei, also known as “Shane,” is an IMPRS-APS student from China. Since 2021, he has been conducting his doctoral research in the attoworld group led by Nobel Laureate Prof. Ferenc Krausz. Within this group, Zheng works in the Field-resolved Infrared Spectroscopy subgroup, under the supervision of Dr. Alexander Weigel, focusing on his project titled “Differential Molecular Fingerprinting”.

What is your research about, and what excites you most about it?

In short, my research aims to extract the “fingerprint” of molecules by applying ultrashort laser technology. We live in a colorful world of molecules, each of which also has its own unique markings, just like a human fingerprint. Such specific markings of molecules can be recorded by laser spectroscopy. When an ultrashort laser excites a molecule, the molecule vibrates in a specific pattern, and the spectral response accompanying the vibration is the molecule's fingerprint. We use field-resolved infrared spectroscopy (FRIS) method to detect this pattern of molecular vibration, thus realizing the identification and analysis of molecules.

What attracts me most to this research is its far-reaching applications, especially in the field of biomedical and disease detection. If this technology is applied to human tissue samples, such as plasma and cells, we may be able to obtain information about the health status of the human body, such as the probability of developing cancer or other chronic diseases. When I saw the molecular fingerprints of plasma samples for the first time in the lab with my own instrument, I was very excited and proud that I had made my own small contribution to the “laser for human health”.

What is the goal of your research?

The output of the FRIS method is usually the combination of the excitation noise and the signal response. The traditional way to extract the signal is via time filtering. However, the quality of the signal is still influenced by the residual noise from excitation. The main task of my PhD project - “Differential molecular fingerprinting”, is to separate the molecular fingerprints from the background excitation through the principle of interferometric cancellation, to extract a “purer” molecular fingerprint profile physically.

Why did you choose to pursue your PhD in this field?

First of all, I think it's because of my love of discovery and curiosity. I would love to be able to explore mysterious things, especially things that no one else has ever seen. The exploration of molecular fingerprinting fulfills this wish and makes me feel motivated and confident to challenge the difficult problems in my research projects.

Secondly, I want to do something meaningful, preferably to advance the progress of mankind in a certain field. And my research topic serves one of the most cutting-edge medical testing tools, so that more people can live healthily is our goal. When my research topic is no longer a graduation requirement, but a sacred mission, I enjoy it from the bottom of my heart and also feel cool.

What is the biggest takeaway from your PhD studies up to this point?

I have enhanced my professionalism during my studies, making me more capable and confident to move forward with my project. The improvement of my knowledge level could not have been achieved without my mentors and friends in the research group. I cherish the opportunity to discuss and learn from experts in different fields. Learning in an equal and educational research group is my greatest treasure here.

In addition, I have found the direction of my future career, and I hope that I can serve in the field of laser medicine in the future, and strive to improve the health of more people.

Can you share a memorable experience or event that stood out during your time in the IMPRS-APS program?

What makes me feel most memorable is the IMPRS-APS annual meeting. Sharing my research progress at the meeting, getting feedback and suggestions from others, and thinking together about problems in my research have been very beneficial to my PhD experience. Also, listening to other people's presentations has broadened my horizons and sometimes even added inspiration to my topic. Other skills learned at the conference were also important, such as the dissertation writing and project management workshops, which allowed me to improve skills that I will use in my future career. I also remember the first time I volunteered to be a “conference chair” in the annual meeting, which was a novel experience for me and a great way to practice my language skills. All in all, the organizers of every IMPRS event are very attentive and give us PhD students a platform for learning, and our time in IMPRS is full of significance.

How has the IMPRS-APS community shaped your academic and personal development?

IMPRS-APS provides a platform for PhD students to communicate equally and comfortably, allowing us to not only discuss academic issues but also share our life experiences. So, IMPRS is also one of the sources of happiness and fulfillment in my PhD life. In our future career planning, whether we go to academia or industry, we will gain motivation and advice at IMPRS-APS, not only from PhD students, but also from various group leaders and even alumni. The more experiences we see and hear, the more hopeful we are about the future.

How is life in Germany/Munich for you?

Germany is a little bit slower than China in terms of the pace of life, so it is more possible for us to sink our teeth into enjoying life and thinking about academic questions. In Germany, I have seen the growth of my mind and the progress of my skills. I like Germany and the city of Munich. It's comfortable to live here and the surrounding scenery is beautiful, which is very suitable for people like me who like traveling, photography and hiking. Watching football games in Allianz Arena, going to concerts, and drinking in the Biergarten with friends are all part of what makes my spare time so much more fulfilling.

What is something you enjoy outside of your research?

I love traveling to places to see a bigger world. I love history and culture, and it's exciting to see historical sites on my trips that I've only seen in textbooks before. I also started to enjoy sports in Germany, such as hiking, running, going to the gym, and when you are surrounded by people who love the outdoors, you can't help but fall in love with it too.

Thanks for the interview!