Between 9:00 and 11:00am, on July 31, 2009, Prof. Douglas Osheroff gave a popular lecture titled ‘What has happened under the temperature of absolute zero?’

At 9:30am, Madam Wang, Head of The High School Affiliated to XJTU chaired the lecture and welcomed Prof. Osheroff for his coming to Xi’an. Prof. Osheroff used his charm to lead the audience to his field of low temperature physics under the condition of absolute zero.

First Prof. Osheroff introduced the theoretical base of superfluidity of Helium-3 under the condition of absolute zero temperature. To be followed by how his self-made instrument can lower Helium-3 to the temperature of near absolute zero. He then used his vivid description to tell about the interesting phenomenon of Helium-3 under the condition of absolute zero temperature. His research methodology involved the theory and method of quantum mechanic, the structure of granule, the change of wavelength and magnetic oscillation, etc. Prof. Osheroff’s tenacity and imagination is beyond the common understanding of people in the scientific discovery.

At the end of the lecture, Prof. Osheroff interacted with the student under the cordial atmosphere. One student asked, “We are familiar with the superconductivity under the low temperature and its applications; however we are unsure how the application of the superfluidity?” Prof. Osheroff replied, “The superfluidity of liquid helium was discovered long time ago. The discovery can help us to understand the quantum world much better. The superfluidity is mainly applied in the research of the cosmos. But I am sure that there would be a wider application in the future.”

After the lecture, Prof and Mrs. Osheroff talked with our physics and chemistry teachers, separately. Prof. Osheroff pointed out that the subject of physics had developed fast, new theory and experimental results appeared now and then. He wanted to go back to school to be a learner; he also pointed out a physics teacher in the secondary school should respect students’ curiosity and arouse their interest in physics, make use their charm to guide their students. He praised the student of The High School Affiliated to XJTU as clever lot, and the school has well equipped for the scientific research. He emphasized that people engage in the scientific research would need to be kind-hearted, hard-working and full of curiosity. Finally he wished the student of The High School Affiliated to XJTU continued to make progress.

Prof. Liu Xi Jiang’s main research area is Biochemistry. She shared her research with teachers of The High School Affiliated to XJTU about genetic food, central nerve system and purple chromosome etc. Prof Liu also talked about the brain cell which can enhance the memory. The teachers of The High School Affiliated to XJTU wished that some sort of memory drugs could be on the market soon. Finally, Prof Liu held talks with the students of The High School Affiliated to XJTU who are going to take part in the National Competition in Biology.

During the lecture, Prof. and Mrs. Osheroff’s humbleness, gentleness, meticulousness and assertiveness won the heart of all those presence in the lecture. Students of The High School Affiliated to XJTU commented that the lecture had broadened their scientific horizon, enhanced their knowledge and aroused their interest in physics.