A demonstration meeting for the construction of a large-scale ground observation device for gravitational wave detection and a quantum technology and engineering research center led by Shanxi University is held in Taiyuan on Feb 25. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

A demonstration meeting to construct a large-scale ground observation device for gravitational wave detection and a quantum technology and engineering research center led by Shanxi University (SXU) was held on Feb 25 in Taiyuan, the capital of North China's Shanxi province.

The demonstration meeting was organized by the Shanxi Department of Science and Technology and attracted 17 experts and scholars engaged in related fields from research institutions and universities such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University and Beihang University.

Wang Yixin, the vice-governor of Shanxi province, said that Shanxi has focused on significant national strategic needs and attached great importance to scientific and technological innovation in quantum science and technology. It has been determined to build a sizeable scientific device for gravitational wave detection.

He added that he hopes academicians and experts will provide solutions and suggestions to ensure that the construction plan is feasible, practical and has an adequate budget. He also hopes experts will scientifically utilize the device after completion.

At the demonstration meeting, representatives of Shanxi University reported on the construction plans.

After passionate discussions, experts at the meeting agreed that the ground observation device for gravitational wave detection is needed in China. Its construction is of great scientific significance and practical importance to developing engineering technology in related fields.

Shanxi University is based in Shanxi province, which has plenty of abandoned underground mines and a solid scientific research foundation in high-quality lasers and quantum light sources. That is, the university has the scientific research and resource advantages to build the appropriate scientific equipment and research centers.

At the meeting, experts presented specific opinions and suggestions on the construction scheme related to the projects' planning, scientific issues, technical routes, staffing, financial support and international cooperation.

They shared their hopes that Shanxi University would further refine the construction plan, carry out technical breakthroughs with related institutions at home and abroad and seek support from major national projects.

Next, the university will further improve its construction plan based on the experts' opinions to facilitate the projects' smooth construction and contribute to Shanxi's transformation and development.