“Communication and teamwork are the best ways to stay efficient”
Meet our doctoral candidate Yang Gui.
As our body's vital transport system, blood is not only crucial for life, but also a window into our overall health. Detecting diseases at an early stage by unlocking this information with the help of lasers is the goal of the research group of Prof. Ferenc Krausz. Contributing to this purpose is what makes his research feel truly rewarding for our doctoral candidate Yang Gui. In August 2024, Yang joined the group under the supervision of group leader Dr. Alexander Weigel, where he focuses on the generation and measurement of far-infrared radiation. In this interview, Yang shares what his research is about and reflects on his experiences at the IMPRS-APS.
Can you tell us a little bit about your research?
My research focuses on the development of high-sensitivity far-infrared (FIR) spectroscopy for medical diagnostics. I am working on methods to generate and measure FIR radiation to analyze the molecular composition of blood samples. My primary objective is to identify specific spectral signatures that correlate with early-stage diseases. A significant portion of my work involves technical optimization to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring that subtle biological signals can be reliably detected and distinguished from background noise.
Why is this important or interesting?
This research is important because my group is working towards a future where diseases can be detected long before symptoms appear. By finding "molecular fingerprints" in the blood, our goal is to give doctors a significant head start in treatment. The challenge I tackle is making these subtle signals clear enough to be useful; improving the signal-to-noise ratio is the key to moving this technology from a specialized physics lab into everyday hospitals.
What excites you most about this field?
What I enjoy most is the practical challenge of enhancing the signal clarity in the far-infrared range. It is satisfying for me to figure out how to reduce background noise so that the blood measurements actually become clear and usable. I find it rewarding to work on a technology that has a very straightforward purpose: helping my group find better ways to detect diseases earlier.
What is the biggest takeaway/learning from your PhD studies up to this point?
I have realized that communication and teamwork are the best ways to stay efficient. I’ve learned that talking through ideas with colleagues often leads to much faster solutions than trying to figure out every technical hurdle on my own.
How has the IMPRS-APS program shaped your academic and/or personal development?
The IMPRS-APS program has provided me with a valuable platform to build connections with researchers. For me, the most rewarding part is the opportunity to exchange ideas with people who share similar goals, helping me explore new possibilities – and even identify what might not be possible – within my research field.
How is life in Germany/Munich for you?
I enjoy the straightforward and relaxed pace of life in Munich. I like how easy it is to get around the city and the fact that nature is always close by for a quick break. For me, Munich offers a comfortable environment where I can balance the intensity of the lab with a more laid-back daily routine.
What is something you enjoy outside of your research?
Outside of the lab, I stay active by hiking and enjoy exploring new places through photography. I also spend my free time playing Steam games, practicing the guitar, and learning about different cultures. For me, these hobbies are a great way to stay curious and discover interesting things beyond my scientific research.
Thanks for the interview!
Photos: Yang Gui