My daily life

冰凉的秋天

最近的天气有点冷，没有穿袜子的话整个腿会好像铁锤一样，硬硬的。当然，在这样的情况之下，人是会变懒惰的。而且，还很容易变肥。哈哈。第五个秋天了，怎么我还是那么瘦，唉。。。

 

最后的学期

转眼间，在京都住了3年7个月，还有5个月就要走人了，有点不舍得这个古城。感觉上京都有点像槟城，一个观光客特别多的地方。不会太繁忙，生活的脚步也很轻松。刚开始的3年是住在国际学生之家，常常有活动搞。虽然共同生活会有产生一些纠纷，但是想到最后可以换来几个同甘共苦的朋友，也不尝是一件好事。而且，时间还会过的很快。3年哗啦一声，就完了。第四年开始就住在普通的房子里。虽然隔壁邻居的学生都是有点认识的，少了好像以前的活动之后，每一天过的都是个人生活。除了打电话给老婆之外，有时还真的一整天没和任何人谈话。有点自闭的生活。（当然不是我自闭，而是有书要念或者报告要写。）我想，去了东京大学念硕士，天天面对的就是研究室的成员和电脑吧。呵呵。还好搬出宿舍之后有参与羽毛球队，一个星期3次。不然这样的生活过久了会有点闷。还有每个星期都有和留学生的朋友聚餐。不然就是爽爽就去大阪找朋友打个球，然后八卦一下。最近感觉上比较得空，自己烹饪的时间就多了。吃了24年的食物，发现自己最爱吃的东西就是汤面。乌冬面，拉沙面，福建虾面，等等都特别喜欢。还有，最近天天都去超市买菜，感觉自己有点像"家庭主夫"了。呵呵。
 

两大研究分野

之前都是在宣传我在东京大学将会搞的研究，似乎忘了说一说现在搞着的毕业研究。基本上它和我的硕士研究是毫无关系的-主题是"巨视物体的冷却"。怎么冷却呢？放进冰箱？开玩笑啦。其实是应用多普勒效果，使用激光（laser）冷却一面很小的镜子(只有1毫克左右)。是不是很有趣呢？通常人会觉得被激光照射过的地方都会变热。但是为什么可以冷却物体的呢？很不可思议。基本原理呢，就是当你把特定波长的激光射向镜子时，它会被吸收。根据动量守恒定律，镜子会往某个方向移动。然而，被吸收的光会通过自然放射往四面八方发射出来。总而来说，镜子会往一面移动。这个时候再配合一个光学空洞，根据空洞的能量来控制激光的能量，就可以控制镜子的振动。当镜子的振动被减到最低的时候，冷却效果就达到了。(这个只是大概而已，想知道更详细的话就告诉我。不过，没有人想知道的吧，呵呵。)我现在才开始不久，主要是在设计激光装置-半导体激光。两个星期前才买了零件，至少花了60000日元(大概2000马币吧)不过不是我的钱，是研究室付账的。哈哈，花得很爽。
基本参考书有 : Quantum Optics by D.F. Walls and G.J. Milburn
                           Solid-State Physics by H. Ibach and H. Luth
                           光物性基础 by 工藤 惠荣 (日语)
 
另一方面，为了能够及时赶上东京大学的研究-Large Hadron Collider-ATLAS Detector的数据解析，在剩下来的5个月要及时赶完粒子物理学的好几本书。
参考书如 : Quantum Field Theory by M. E. Peskin and D. V. Schroeder
                   Path Integrals and Quantum Processes by M.S. Swanson
                   Standard Model of Particle Physics by W.N. Cottingham and D.A. Greenwood
                   Quarks and Leptons by F. Halzen and A.D. Martin

My entertainment for September

Started to feel bored after my exams have finished. I think it is time for me to resume my studies and prepare for my coming exams, GRE and GRE physics. Since memorizing those vocabs everyday will be quite tiring, I decided to add in some interesting readings and exercises for my schedule in September.

For the 1st time I visited the library of Yukawa Institute of Theoretical Physics. There are SO many nice books inside and yet I didnt come here before for the past 4 years. What a waste. Then, I began to search for my "toys" and finally found 3; 「Facts and Mysteries in Elementary Particle Physics」,「Problems on atomic, nuclear and particle physics from PhD qualifying exams in US」 and 「Fundamental of Particle Physics 1 and 2」.

 

Hope to finish these books in 3 weeks time..hehe..
I am a strange guy isn't it? Need to study physics to clear my boredness. Haha. And I will be participating in a badminton competition on 14th, which is this sunday. My muscles are still painful after 3 hours training on sunday and hopefully I will recover by weekends. Go go go !!!

悠闲的周末

经过一连番的考试，我的暑假终于到了。睡到中午12点，听听歌，吃个便当，和家人，女友聊聊天。储存了整个月的压力开始慢慢消失。整理了杂乱无章的房间，心情也变得比较轻松。啊~~好久没这种感觉了。其实在这个时候，是最容易胡思乱想的。哈哈。
周五在东京大学面试完毕之后，在大学内的咖啡店遇到一个KEK的教授(之前认识的。是去年夏季营的主席)。他说，我的第一志愿教授和他商量过，说我可能会去美国念书。然后，他给我的建议是，要我仔细想清楚。因为美国现在经济不好，而且今年初才对particle physics的预算案大屠杀，导致fermilab大量裁员。可能不是去美国的一个好时机。而且，我京都大学要好的教授也是在电邮中提到要我仔细想好未来的进路，因为在master专攻的研究可能会是长久继续下去的。说到这里本身感到惭愧。
说实在的，我在大学里并不是一位很出色的学生(厉害的大有人在)，而且又不是日本人，却有日本人教授三番四次给我宝贵的提议，有点受宠若惊的感觉。这时让我想起4年前，还在日语学校的光景。我当时要去京都大学的笔试和面试，前几天就去问问物理老师的意见。竟然没有想到他想都不想的回答说，你去考什么大学都不会及格。我当时根本不知道要给什么反应。因为简直相信不了自己的耳朵。当然，我并没有把它放在心里。因为，如果我都不相信自己的话，那就没有人会相信我。就这样，让我考进了京都大学。他知道之后的反应是，哈？有没有搞错？！
说了那么长的故事，一定有一个寓意吧。就是，建议是建议，作决定的是自己。所以，要做一个不会让自己后悔的决定。哈哈。

So, no more written exam for Japanese Universities

Finally, the written exams for both Kyoto University and University of Tokyo are finished. You know, my last paper was English!!!
1st question: please translate the following English essay into Japanese !!!!
2nd question:please translate the following Japanese essay into English...............Is this called English paper?..OMG..
Luckily my 5 years stay in Japan is not wasted.....I still remember that I did badly during my 1st year english class-translation.(I think I just get about 30% for it)...but this time, yeah, without much problem, I did it. Oh, yes! But anyway, nothing to be proud of. I just shorten the distance between me and the japanese students(Losing master's exam to them due to a english paper is a BIG PAIN). They are just too good for that translation stuff.
Interviews are awaiting for me, on 4th and 5th which are just 2 days away. Well, I must really enjoy my days after a long period of studying non-stop.(About 14 hours per day, what do u think? Wake up then study then eat then study then sleep.XD)
It is kinda surprise for me to be scheduled for 2 interviews for University of Tokyo. I thought my score wasnt enough to enter my 1st choice, LHC-ATLAS experiment as there are many students putting it as 1st choice as well. Anyway, need to appeal myself more during the interview as I am maybe floating on the border line.Haha. As for Kyoto university, I think my score should be enough for my 1st choice, high energy physics lab for neutrino physics. Just need to wait for the announcement of the interview list tomorrow evening.
As for University of Tokyo, questions like what is the voltage being used in Japan? and why?, explain 1 of the experiments that you have done in 3mins, etc. Well, the 1st few questions might not be that hard but I heard that they will ask everything in detail after that. Like, explain how a PMT works, why linear collider must be used now instead of the conventional ring shape accelerator?...bla bla bla...
on the other hand, we also need to explain about what we have done for Kyoto University's interview. But in 7mins. Then, will get bombed by those professors. I just cant imagine how will my heart beat standing in front of 30+ professors. calm down,calm down........

这一个月来第一次睡得安稳

在抛下考试压力的包裹之后，终于可以有一天睡得安稳了。在这之前，就算是身体累了，脑子总还是不停的在消化一天之中念完的物理，让我睡不好觉。
今天就只是准备面试的内容，比如装置的操作原理等等。感觉上是我的强项。虽然用日语发表当然会比日本人逊色，不过非日本人却会说日语算是我的筹码，哈哈。还有，自信！自信！
明天面试之后就要赶去东京了。周五的两个面试过后，就是和我的朋友们一起在东京庆祝。漫长的硕士班考试，就此告一段落。
虽然天天念书的日子不好过，但我倒是突然间明白了很多之前向也想不通的物理法则，还有很多计算方面的trick.所以8月算是一个丰收的季节。当然，从本科生到硕士之间还有很大鸿沟，反而是现在开始要更加努力，稳固物理的基础，方能在研究方面解决诸方面问题。如果有机会进入LHC-ATLAS的研究的话，下个学期就要努力专攻particle physics,phase transition,Higgs mechanism之类的理论。当然，也要专注在实验方面的装置，如muon粒子detector,calorimeter之类的东西。可能还要出席ALTAS数据解析课程。这样才像一个物理学家的生活嘛。哈哈，我梦寐以求的。
我当然并没有说物理是一切。不过，人生就有那么一次。如果有自己喜欢的东西，就应该勇往直前，一一克服途中遇到的任何障碍。说实在的，我的热诚主要在于这个世界，宇宙的由来。它，是怎样出现的，为什么要出现。然而，为了达到这一个境界，我必须从低开始，以自己最能接受的研究方法-科学开始。科学-高校物理学-大学基础物理学-大学物理学-高级物理学，一步一步往上爬。就是一个过程。当然，每一个阶梯都有很多障碍。比如大学的时候，物理学里有太多的数学。Bessel函数，Airy函数之类的妖怪都会出现。虽然花了很多时间去掌握这些数学，但还是值得的。每天只要想着，只要自己能过这一关，就可以更靠近自己的梦想。那个时候，推动力就自然而然的来了。
话不多说，我去makan了。

另一个人生交叉点

  好久没以中文写部落格了。
 
  上个星期刚去了东京，参加了东大某个研究室的说明会，顺便和教授交谈了一会儿。研究内容和环境基本上都很不错，算是我的研究室首选吧。
  现在已经是6月的最后一天，8月25号到9月5号我将为东京大学，京都大学的硕士班入学考试而忙，之中还要来回2次，钱不够用啊。。。
  而且，如果考上东大的话，10月开始可能要每星期来回京都-东京，出席研究用的软件讲习会以及其物理讲座。子弹火车来回的花费是25000日币=RM780,一个月=RM3000左右。好恐怖。。留在京都要4年了，想要换一换环境，但必须牺牲一笔金钱。搬家，签合约之类的事情也挺麻烦的。

  虽然还不是应该考虑的时候，去了东京之后，就会得到美国大学的消息。那个时候也是多了一个烦恼。是留是去要到时候才知道。去美国可能会得罪研究室的教授等人，不然就是得不到现在想做的研究；留日本可能永远就是以日语为主要语言进行物理学的教育和研究，到西方国家发展的机会较低。之前在京都和东京之间选一的时候已经够烦恼的了。

  希望明年作决定的时候会比较干脆吧。当然，如果东京，京都大学的入试失败的话，明年3月就必须回国了，不必烦恼多多。以现在的程度去考的话，没希望。哈哈。基本上还有1个月的时间，20多个科目合成的考试有点困难，再加上GRE,TOEFL,GRE PHYSICS的考试还有毕业研究。。。。请赐我Intel TriCore。。。。还有，避弹衣。。因为面试的教授阵容是20-30人左右。左一枪，右一炮，不死才怪。

 
  这个时候想起了一个道理。。。。。。。时常让自己面对最难的挑战，是在竞争的世界里生存的锻炼，也是让自己成长的最佳手段。

A trip to Tokyo

  Last week, I went to Tokyo for the 3rd time in my 4 years in Japan. For travel? No. For meeting? No. Well, I was there just to attend the Open Lab of International Center for Particle Physics(ICEPP), University of Tokyo. My possible research lab for master's degree in Japan next year.
  The highest building for department of Physics in Kyoto University is about 7-floor but ICEPP is located on 9th and 10th floor in a 11-floor building, probably to indicate that it has a high potential (to be sucessful?) ICEPP has about 40 members including professors and graduate students. Well, 1/3 of them are staying at Switzerland for LHC-ATLAS and MEG researches.(even for master students) Not only researches with mega-size accelerators like LHC can be done, tabletop experiments, such as determination of extra dimensions by using positronium are also part of students' works. Chances of going to CERN for summer school, research presentation at CERN during the 1st year, publish a paper in physical review letter during master, etc are the attractions that fascinated me. 
  Well, maybe it is still early to worry about staying at Tokyo or leaving for US if i get both universities. For me, Kyoto university has a good mentor, University of Tokyo has the research that I am interested in, and US has the system which is probably the best for nurturing a all-rounded physicist. Of course going to the States is the best choice but sometimes things are not running smooth all the time. Anyway, perhaps I should try everything that I can do from now. Sit for master entrance examinations Kyoto university and University of Tokyo, then at the same time, applying for the Graduate schools in the States. (Well, I will go back to Malaysia if I failed the 1st two exams. More precisely, will be kicked back.)

New Room,New Mood,New Target

  It has been a long time since i last updated my blog. Yeah,I was quite busy for moving,studies,research and sports. After enjoying 3 years of sociable life in Kyoto International Student House, now I am living in my own apartment,non even knowing who is my neighbour. But yeah,this kind of life comes at the correct timing, as I am fully concentrate on my studies,research and badminton training.Sounds odd isn't it, For a 24 years old guy like me to start badminton training. Sport is always my favorite since elementary school and I involved in representing school or club for track and field, ping pong, volleyball, basketball and soccer but never make it for badminton; as I was disqualifed for the school team selection during elementary three.

  After being accepted to study in Japan, I played averagely once per 2 weeks during my japanese language education in Osaka, but almost stopped it during my 1st, 2nd, 3rd year studies in Kyoto University. With the advancement of "Internet", I was able to download some videoclips of the finals of the badminton tournaments. And one day, the fantastic match between Koo/Tan and Fu/Cai lured me into improving my badminton skill. At the same time, I found a badminton club in the Kyoto area which welcome any interested people to join them. Of course, without any hesitation I contacted the representative and joined their training for the very 1st time on December last year. As the only foreigner there, I was warmly "welcomed"(maybe) and advice was given for my play style. How lucky I am.Yoyo.

  Let's skip badminton talk and go to my academic part. A "big announcement" is that I have decided to apply for US Graduate School academic year 2009 Fall. Feel surprise? Same for me actually as I just decided it last month. Having own "nest" in Kyoto for almost 3 years, it is quite normal for a mombusho student to stay here until the Graduate school ends. But then, I felt that I have lost my momentum for life, studies, and even motivation to study graduate school. This could be my fault(too lazy?) but after taking the course-All About US Graduate School, I realised that this could be a turning point for my situation now. Althought the process of going there is quite time consuming ; have to prepare for TOEFL,GRE,GRE PHYSICS,3 recommendation letters,etc..(As for Kyoto university, you just need to sit for the entrance examination and attend an interview)..

  I take it as a new challenge and also a new momentum to my life. Indeed, What I done in this month is comparable to what I have done for the past year.(Over hardworking?!) This is what I should do start from the beginning! My GPA for the 1st 2 years was sucks due to my attendance and just normal for my majors in 3rd year. So, what else I should do if not having perfect result in my last year this year-4th year? Kinda regret for my laziness...Anyway, forget about the past and look forward!..GO! GO! GO!

 
P/S: To have enough practice for english essay, I try to make use of this blog. So, If you happened to drop by, please note me for the mistakes. Thanks!