Professor Ma Yufei's research group's latest findings, a study that achieved ppq-level (parts per quadrillion) detection of gas molecules using photo-thermal elastic spectroscopy, were published in the international journal Light: Science & Applications in June 2025.
Ma Yufei. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
In 2018, Professor Ma's team proposed the light-induced thermal elastic spectroscopy (LITES) technology, known for its non-invasive, rapid response, and full-spectrum detection capabilities. Over the following years, Ma led his team to achieve a series of innovative results, which were published in leading journals.
Ma Yufei delivers a report at an international academic conference. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Ma, who works in laser research, graduated with a bachelor's degree from Shandong University before pursuing graduate studies in optoelectronics at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT).
After earning his doctoral degree from HIT in 2013, Ma stayed on to work at the university. In less than a decade, he was promoted to associate professor, then to full professor, became a doctoral supervisor, established a young scientists' studio, and was selected as a national-level young talent.
In both his research and student mentoring, Ma emphasizes integrating basic research with practical applications.
He has guided students in recent years to publish high-level papers in frontier fields, leading his team to develop high-performance laser gas sensing technology applied across various domains. Ma has been recognized as an Elsevier Highly Cited Chinese Researcher and listed among the top two percent of scientists globally. His students have won the Wang Daheng Optics Award for two consecutive years, with two receiving the Optical Society of America's Outstanding Reviewer Award. He has also guided over 20 student teams to win first place in national competitions, including the National University Students' Opt-Sci-Tech Competition.
Under Ma's guidance, Zhang Chu, a 2022 doctoral student in the School of Aerospace, has published nine SCI papers as the first author in renowned international journals, several of which have been selected as ESI popular and highly cited papers. As a project leader, she has managed a National Natural Science Foundation of China doctoral project and has been selected for the China Association for Science and Technology's Youth Talent Support Program, while also serving as a key academic member on major national projects.
Zhang Chu and Ma Yufei discuss issues in the laboratory. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Ren Baofa, now working in design at China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Commercial Satellites Group, advanced from an undergraduate to a master's over six years under Ma's guidance.
Ran Baofa poses for a photo with Ma Yufei upon completing his master's degree. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Outside of research, Ma encourages his team to maintain physical fitness through running. As a long-distance running enthusiast, he joined the China Optics Running Group, running alongside optics researchers from universities nationwide.
Ma Yufei organizes the research team to participate in a running event. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Ma has expressed his commitment to advancing laser sensing research and promoting its application across multiple fields. As a graduate mentor, he hopes to cultivate more outstanding students who will achieve great success in their respective areas.
Editor: Yang Wenyu