The crossed molecular beam machine (HOPE) was designed by Prof. Lee Yuan-Tseh in 1967 at the Laboratory of Herschbach at Harvard University. In 2000, National Science and Technology Museum organized the Centennial Exhibition of the Nobel Prize and purchased the HOPE machine from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, through Prof. Lee Yuen-Tseh, who was the President of Academia Sinica at the time.
 
Why is this instrument called HOPE?
Following the tradition of the laboratory at that time, an instrument was named with a girl’s name in the alphabetical order. This particular instrument happened to be listed under H, so Dr. Yuan-Tseh Lee named it HOPE.
 
Each Nobel Prize winning scientist has a touching story to share, and their scientific spirit serves as an inspiration for young students to learn from and reflect upon. We hope this exhibition provides a glimpse into the profundity of fundamental science and inspires students in their scientific thinking and research!