Innovative Research Award
Chengxun Yuan
Harbin Institute of Technology, China
| Chengxun Yuan |
| Affiliation |
Harbin Institute of Technology |
| Country |
China |
| Scopus ID |
36451487300 |
| Documents |
251 |
| Citations |
1,711 |
| h-index |
20 |
| Subject Area |
Physics and Astronomy |
| Event |
International Phenomenological Research Awards |
| ORCID |
0000-0002-2308-6703 |
Chengxun Yuan is a Chinese physicist and academic researcher affiliated with the Harbin Institute of Technology, where he serves as Full Professor and Vice Dean of the School of Physics. His scholarly work focuses on plasma physics, electromagnetic wave propagation, plasma diagnostics, plasma photonic crystals, dusty plasmas, ionospheric physics, and plasma-assisted technologies. Yuan has contributed extensively to the advancement of low-temperature plasma science and electromagnetic interactions in plasma media through theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental diagnostics. His publication record includes hundreds of SCI-indexed articles, monographs, and international conference contributions, reflecting sustained influence in plasma science and interdisciplinary physics research.[1]
Abstract
This article presents a scholarly overview of the academic career, scientific contributions, and research achievements of Chengxun Yuan in the field of plasma physics and electromagnetic wave propagation. His investigations have significantly contributed to theoretical and applied plasma science, particularly in glow discharges, plasma photonic crystals, dusty plasmas, ionospheric plasma interactions, and plasma-assisted diagnostics. Yuan has supervised and participated in numerous national and international research initiatives while publishing extensively in leading peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus and SCI databases. His interdisciplinary research integrates computational physics, plasma engineering, astrophysical plasma modeling, and electromagnetic metamaterials, contributing to the advancement of plasma-based technologies and modern theoretical physics.[2]
Keywords
Plasma Physics, Glow Discharge, Dusty Plasma, Plasma Photonic Crystals, Electromagnetic Wave Propagation, Plasma Diagnostics, Ionospheric Plasma, Metamaterials, Astrophysical Plasma, Plasma Spectroscopy, Microwave Plasma, Nonlocal Electron Distribution Function, Photonic Time Crystals, Space Physics
Introduction
The development of plasma science has become increasingly important in modern physics due to its applications in aerospace engineering, telecommunications, energy systems, advanced materials, and astrophysical investigations. Chengxun Yuan has emerged as a prominent contributor in this domain through sustained research activities centered on plasma diagnostics, electromagnetic interactions, and plasma-based functional materials. His academic formation and professional career have remained closely associated with the Harbin Institute of Technology, where he completed his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral education in physics before advancing through academic ranks to Full Professor and Vice Dean.[1]
Yuan’s research integrates both experimental and theoretical approaches to plasma science. His work explores the physical mechanisms governing nonlocal electron distribution functions, glow discharge dynamics, plasma photonic structures, terahertz wave propagation, and plasma-assisted microwave technologies. These investigations have contributed to understanding plasma interactions in laboratory and atmospheric conditions while supporting practical technological applications.[3]
Research Profile
Chengxun Yuan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 2004, followed by a Master of Science degree in 2007 and a Ph.D. in Physics in 2011 at the Harbin Institute of Technology. His doctoral thesis, supervised by Professor Zhongxiang Zhou, examined propagation properties of terahertz waves in plasmas. Following his doctoral studies, Yuan served as Lecturer, Associate Professor, and subsequently Full Professor at the School of Physics of the Harbin Institute of Technology. He also held a visiting scholar position at The Pennsylvania State University between 2013 and 2014.[1]
His research interests encompass plasma discharge physics, plasma diagnostics, plasma-based devices, radio wave propagation, electromagnetic metamaterials, and space plasma physics. Yuan has additionally contributed to interdisciplinary studies involving black hole physics, astrophysical plasma interactions, plasma catalysis, and topological photonic structures.[4]
- Full Professor and Vice Dean, School of Physics, Harbin Institute of Technology
- Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences
- Editorial Board Member of the SCI-indexed journal Physica Scripta
- Senior Member of the Chinese Institute of Electronics
- Principal Investigator of more than twenty national and provincial research projects
Research Contributions
Yuan’s scientific contributions have addressed several important challenges in plasma science and electromagnetic theory. His work on nonlocal electron distribution functions in glow discharges has enhanced theoretical understanding of plasma conductivity and electron transport phenomena. Through numerical and experimental studies, he investigated inverse electron distribution functions, ambipolar field effects, and plasma oscillatory dynamics in direct-current glow discharges.[5]
Another major area of contribution involves plasma photonic crystals and metamaterials. Yuan and collaborators explored topological edge states, broadband microwave modulation, tunable plasma antennas, and photonic time crystals. These studies provided insights into electromagnetic manipulation using plasma-enabled structures and have implications for advanced communication technologies and wave-guiding systems.[6]
His research also extends to plasma spectroscopy and plasma-assisted chemical analysis. Investigations involving plasma electron spectroscopy have demonstrated novel methods for detecting impurities, decomposition products, and plasma-generated chemical species in open environments and nonlocal plasma systems.[7]
- Development of theoretical models for glow discharge plasma and nonlocal electron kinetics
- Research on plasma photonic crystals and topological electromagnetic states
- Advancement of plasma-assisted diagnostics and spectroscopy techniques
- Studies of microwave propagation and plasma metamaterials
- Interdisciplinary investigations involving astrophysical plasma and black hole environments
Publications
Chengxun Yuan has authored three academic monographs, published more than 210 SCI-indexed journal articles, and contributed to over 180 conference papers and abstracts. His publications appear in leading journals such as Physical Review E, Physics of Plasmas, Plasma Sources Science and Technology, IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Physical Review B, and Plasma Science and Technology.
- Introduction to the Kinetics of Glow Discharges (IOP Concise Physics, 2018)
- Dust Plasma Physics (Science Press, 2025)
- Theory of Electromagnetic Wave-Plasma Interaction (Higher Education Press, 2025)
- “Formation of inverse electron distribution function in glow discharges with hollow cathode,” Physical Review E, 2026
- “Topological braiding and dynamic probing of phase transitions across temporal interfaces in non-Hermitian systems,” Physical Review B, 2026
- “Observation of nontrivial Zak phase induced topological states in glow discharge plasma,” APL Photonics, 2023
Many of Chengxun Yuan’s publications are associated with high-impact journals and collaborative international research programs.[8] His publication record demonstrates continuity in plasma theory, diagnostics, and electromagnetic applications while reflecting broad interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research Impact
The scientific influence of Chengxun Yuan is reflected through a substantial Scopus citation profile comprising more than 1,711 citations and an h-index of 20. His work has contributed to ongoing advancements in plasma diagnostics, plasma-assisted materials science, microwave engineering, and electromagnetic propagation theory. Research findings from his laboratory have been cited across fields including plasma engineering, applied physics, astrophysics, and optical materials science.
Yuan’s investigations into plasma photonic structures and glow discharge systems have influenced experimental and theoretical research on plasma-enabled wave control, atmospheric plasma phenomena, and ionospheric interactions. His studies also support emerging technologies in communication systems, plasma catalysis, and advanced electromagnetic materials.[9]
Award Suitability
Chengxun Yuan’s academic record demonstrates strong suitability for recognition through the International Phenomenological Research Awards. His sustained research productivity, leadership in plasma physics, interdisciplinary collaborations, and contributions to theoretical and applied science collectively represent significant scholarly achievement. His work bridges fundamental plasma theory and technological applications, particularly in areas involving plasma diagnostics, electromagnetic propagation, photonic structures, and plasma-assisted systems.
In addition to publication excellence, Yuan has held numerous leadership and professional positions, including editorial responsibilities and committee memberships in national and international scientific organizations. These contributions indicate sustained engagement with the scientific community and active participation in advancing global plasma research initiatives.[1]
Conclusion
Chengxun Yuan is recognized as a distinguished researcher in plasma physics and electromagnetic wave studies whose contributions have advanced both theoretical understanding and applied plasma technologies. Through extensive publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and leadership in scientific research, he has established a significant academic presence within the international physics community. His work continues to influence developments in plasma diagnostics, photonic plasma systems, electromagnetic materials, and astrophysical plasma research, supporting ongoing innovation in modern physical science.
External Links
References
- Harbin Institute of Technology. (2026). Curriculum Vitae of Chengxun Yuan.
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Chengxun Yuan, Author ID 36451487300. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=36451487300
- Yuan, C., et al. (2020). Formation of inverse electron distribution function and absolute negative conductivity in nonlocal plasma of a dc glow discharge. Physical Review E, 101, 031202. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.101.031202
- Yuan, C., Zhou, Z., and collaborators. (2025). Research Progress of Plasma Photonic Crystals and Topological Properties. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress. Physical Review E, 101, 031202. http://dx.doi.org/10.3788/LOP250929
- Bogdanov, E. A., Kudryavtsev, A. A., and Yuan, C. (2026). Formation of inverse electron distribution function in glow discharges with hollow cathode. Physical Review E, 113, 045214. https://doi.org/10.1103/fbby-qq8z
- Li, J., Yao, J., Yuan, C., et al. (2023). Observation of nontrivial Zak phase induced topological states in glow discharge plasma. APL Photonics, 8, 066102. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0147168
- Chen Zhou, Jingfeng Yao, Chengxun Yuan, et al. (2022). Determination of organic impurities by plasma electron spectroscopy in non-local plasma at intermediate and high pressures. Plasma Sources Science and Technology, 31, 107001. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac91a1/meta
- Yuan, C., Kudryavtsev, A. A., and Demidov, V. I. (2018). Introduction to the Kinetics of Glow Discharges. IOP Concise Physics. https://iopscience.iop.org/book/mono/978-1-64327-060-9
- Yuan, C., et al. (2024). Topological States Decorated by Twig Boundary in Plasma Photonic Crystals. Advanced Optical Materials, 12(17), 2303244. https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202303244