Deng Jiaxian, born on June 25, 1924 in Huaining, Anhui, during the Republic of China era, had a father named Deng Yizhe who was an academic. His father studied overseas at Waseda University and Columbia University before returning to teach esthetics and art theory at various Chinese universities such as Peking University and Tsinghua University. Naming his son "Jiaxian," which symbolizes flourishing crops in hopes that he would grow roots deeply on Chinese soil for the benefit of society. Growing up under his father's guidance from a young age in Beijing schools like Peking Chongde Middle School where besides regular studies he delved into traditional texts and poetry recitations daily while focusing later on English language skills alongside mathematics.[2]
During troubling times post-Marco Polo Bridge Incident when Japanese invaders pressured students to show support publicly for their cause by waving flags; Deng Yizhe fearing persecution sent his son away to Kunming instructing him firmly to pursue science over literature emphasizing its importance for national progress. This directive influenced Deng Jiaxian profoundly towards choosing a scientific path dedicated to serving his country.[2]
Graduating with honors in physics from National Southwestern Associated University where he shared classes with Nobel laureate Yang Chen-Ning marked the beginning of Deng's teaching career at Peking University followed by further studies abroad in America starting from Purdue University leading ultimately to obtaining a PhD degree in Physics at just 26 years old under Frederik Belinfante’s mentorship titled “The Photo-disintegration of the Deuteron”.[3] Soon after completing his doctorate, he embarked back home aboard President Wilson ready to contribute significantly through scientific endeavors within mainland China.
Deng Jiaxian served as assistant researcher and associate researcher at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1956.[1]
From 1958 on, Deng collaborated for more than two decades in secrecy with a group of young scientists, including Qian Sanqiang, as part of China's Two Bombs, One Satellite initiative to develop nuclear and hydrogen bombs. Their efforts led to successful outcomes in 1964 and 1967. Deng assumed the role of director of the Theoretical Department at the Ninth Institute of the Ministry of Machinery in 1958. Subsequently, in 1972, he was appointed deputy director at the Ninth Institute of the Ministry of Nuclear Industry and later served as its director. On April 9, 1982, Deng Jiaxian was named deputy director of the Science and Technology Commission at the Ministry of Nuclear Industry by the State Council. In June 1986, he was appointed by the Central Military Commission as director of the National Defense Science and Technology Commission, Deputy Director of the Committee's Science and Technology Committee, and Member of the 12th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.[4]
Deng Jiaxian is a pioneer and founder of China's nuclear weapons cause. In the research of nuclear bombs and hydrogen bombs, Deng Jiaxian led the basic theoretical research on detonation physics, fluid mechanics, equation of state, neutron transport, etc., conducted a large number of simulation calculations and analyzes of the physical processes of atomic bombs, and took the lead in China's independent research on nuclear weapons. He led the completion of the theoretical plan for the atomic bomb and participated in guiding the detonation simulation tests of nuclear tests. After the atomic bomb test was successful, forces were immediately organized to explore the design principles of the hydrogen bomb and select technical approaches.[1] During his lifetime, Deng participated in a total of 32 nuclear tests conducted by China, of which he personally went to Lop Nur to command the test team 15 times. Deng is regarded as the "Father of China's Nuclear Program". In 1999, he was posthumously awarded the Two Bombs, One Satellite Meritorious Award by President Jiang Zemin for his contributions to Chinese military science, along with 22 other scientists.[4][5]
Deng Jiaxian's Academic Lectures II-Quantum Field Theory (rearranged version) 2014 Peking University Press
Deng Jiaxian's Academic Lectures III-Group Theory (rearranged edition) 2014 Peking University Press
"Angular Correlation of Beta Decay"
"Effects of Radiation Loss on Free Vibration in Accelerators"
"Deformation of Hydrogen Nucleus"
"Summary of theoretical research on China's first atomic bomb"[2]
Personal life
Cultural Revolution
As one of the most significant scholars in China during the Cultural Revolution, Deng Jiaxian found himself in peril. In 1969, during the purge of class forces, he and many nuclear weapons scientists were criticized by the "Two Zhaos" of the Military Control Commission at Qinghai Base Factory 221. Explosives expert Qian Jin was beaten to death.[7] According to Xu Luxi, Mrs. Deng, it happened that Sino-US relations were thawing (refer to Ping Pong Diplomacy). In July 1971, Yang Zhenning visited relatives in the People's Republic of China for the first time and wanted to reunite with Deng Jiaxian.[8]Zhou Enlai recalled Deng Jiaxian to Beijing, and Deng Jiaxian left Qinghai. During the Cultural Revolution persecution, Yu Min, Chen Nengkuan, and Hu Side were also saved. Since then, no one has dared to endanger the lives of scientists in the 221 Factory.[7]
