Interview with Yu Meng

Yu Meng is a Postdoc at DTU Physics, Technical University of Denmark, in the section QPIT – Quantum Physics and Information Technology.

What motivated you to pursue a career in physics, and how did you choose your area of specialization?

When I first started college, I enrolled in a dual-major program in physics and chemistry, which meant I had to study both disciplines simultaneously. Our program was experiment-oriented, and over the course of my four years in college, I conducted a lot of basic physics and chemistry experiments. In my final year of undergraduate studies, we were required to choose one of these two fields for in-depth research. After three years of study, professors in the fields of optics and quantum mechanics sparked a deep interest in quantum mechanics within me – I was deeply captivated by the idea that “extremely simple principles can explain extremely complex phenomena.” This ultimately led me to choose quantum physics as my research focus for my master’s and doctoral studies.

What is the focus of your current research, and why is it significant?

My current research focuses on experimental quantum optics, and their applications in quantum communication and device-independent quantum cryptography, I worked in discrete system before and now I am focused on continuous-variable quantum systems.

More specifically, my research is about single-(multi-) mode squeezed states generation, which are the key resources for protocols such as DIQKD (device-independent quantum key distribution) and quantum random number generation. These systems are of great interest because they allow us to test the cornerstones of quantum physics while also advancing the development of practical quantum security technologies and even in quantum phase estimation applications.

The significance of this work lies in the bridge it builds between fundamental quantum physics and the practical application of secure communication.

Looking ahead, which area of work are you most excited to explore (in or outside of academia)?

Perhaps due to the influence of my undergraduate studies, I am very interested in research on fundamental quantum physics – more specifically, in verifying the boundary between the quantum and classical worlds, or demonstrating quantum advantages. And compared to theoretical derivations, I am more eager to achieve these goals through optical experiments.

In the near future, I am particularly looking forward to developing experimentally feasible and device-independent quantum communication protocols. I find it fascinating that researchers can attempt to minimize assumptions about hardware while ensuring security based solely on observed correlations.

What keeps you motivated in your research and work, and how do you maintain that drive?

I am naturally a very organized person, and I enjoy understanding how complex systems work and explaining them into a simple model. In experimental physics, there are always many interacting parts, and I find it satisfying when I can connect small observations into a coherent picture and understand what is really happening.

One of my unforgetable moments in research is when an experiment behaves differently from what I expected. Troubleshooting can be frustrating, and sometimes even exhausting, but it often leads to the deepest understanding. Many of the skills I value most today came from solving problems that initially seemed impossible.

What keeps me motivated is not only the final result, but also the process of learning, discovering patterns, and gradually gaining a deeper understanding of the system in front of me.

Do you have any hobbies or activities outside of work that you are passionate about, and what makes them meaningful to you?

Outside of work, I enjoy quiet activities such as reading and practicing Chinese calligraphy.

Reading allows me to completely immerse myself in a different world and step away from the pressures of research. It gives me a chance to relax, recharge, and gain new perspectives that are often unrelated to science.

Calligraphy is meaningful to me for a different reason. In some ways, I see similarities between calligraphy and experimental physics. Both require careful observation, patience, and precise control. In both cases, there is rarely a perfect result, but there is always a process of refining small details and gradually approaching something more elegant and complete. I find that process deeply satisfying.

What are your thoughts on the importance of being a mentor and advisor to students and younger scientists, and what is your own approach?

I think mentorship is extremely important, especially in experimental physics, where a lot of knowledge is not written down but learned through experience.

For me, good mentorship is less about giving direct answers and more about helping people learn how to approach problems, how to debug things, and how to stay calm when things don’t work. I try to be supportive while still allowing space for independent thinking.

What advice would you give to young people, in particular women and minorities, who would like to pursue a career in science?

I would say that confidence in science often comes from experience, not from feeling ready at the beginning. Especially in research, uncertainty and failure are normal parts of the process, not signs that you are not capable.

For women and underrepresented groups in particular, I think it’s important to recognize that feeling out of place is often about environment, not ability. Finding supportive mentors and peers can make a huge difference.

Looking back on my own journey, I have realized that my strengths do not come from being exceptionally gifted or naturally brilliant. Instead, they come from persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning. Many of the women scientists I have met share similar qualities. We are often incredibly resilient. When we encounter difficulties, we may feel frustrated, discouraged, or even overwhelmed. Sometimes we cry, sometimes we doubt ourselves, but more often than not, we wipe away our tears and return to the lab the next day to continue the work.

And finally, I would say that progress in science is rarely linear. It is much more about persistence, growth, and learning over time than about always getting things right. You do not need to be a genius to become a scientist. What matters most is the willingness to keep going, even when the path forward is not yet clear.