Two PolyU engineering projects have recently been honoured with the Ministry of Education Awards 2009.

The Ministry of Education’s Centre for Science and Technology Development has announced the awarding of the Natural Science Award (Second Class) to the “Research on tropospheric ozone pollution and processes in China” by the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, while the Technology Progress Award (Second Class) goes to Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering’s “Ultra-precision Machining Technology of Freeform Optics and its Applications” .

• Research on tropospheric ozone pollution and processes in China

Principal members: Prof Tao Wang, Dr Aijun Ding, Mr Steven C.N. Poon

Ozone in the lower part of the atmosphere influences air quality, ecosystems, and climate. It is the principal pollutant in photochemical smog in Hong Kong and other major cities around the world. Since 1995, the project has been investigating the impact of rapid industrialization and urbanization in Asia on air quality; studying the sources of emission, chemical transformation and meteorological transport affecting ozone and related air pollutants; providing scientific support to the development of control strategies.

Apart from contributing to the advancement of knowledge on atmospheric chemistry and air pollution, the studies have also helped the Hong Kong SAR government in formulating policies for mitigating photochemical ozone pollution.

• Ultra-precision Machining Technology of Freeform Optics and its Applications

Principal members: Prof. Wing Bun Lee, Dr. Chi Fai Cheung, Dr. Sandy Suet To, Dr. Jin Bo Jiang, Mr. Kong Ling Bao and Dr. Wang Wen Kui

With the advent of information technology, the rapid development of ultra-precision machining technology can enable the fabrication of non-rotational symmetry freeform optics, and ensure the supply of high quality but low price optical components for the optoelectronic industry.

The project team started the research on the mechanism of ultra-precision technology in 1990 and was the first to develop the design and manufacturing capability of freeform elements and optical microstructures for photonics and telecommunication products in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. It has successfully developed five technological innovations and an integrated system for optical design, ultra-precision machining and precision measurement of freeform optical components. These achievements are able to meet international standards and fill the gap in freeform optics machining technology in the mainland.