BEIJING - Renowned scientist Wang Daheng, who was the founder of China's optical engineering, died on July 21, 2011 at the age of 96 in Beijing.

Wang, born on February 26, 1915 in Tokyo, made outstanding contributions to developing China's precision optical instruments, including the country's first electronic microscope and first laser device.

His endeavor in developing China's laser-triggered nuclear fusion technology earned him the Distinguished Medal for China's atomic bomb, hydrogen bomb and man-made satellite projects.

The scientist's expertise in optics also helped build the crystal coffin of late Chairman Mao Zedong, which was installed at the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in Beijing.

Wang also contributed to proposing China's 863 Program, a program funded by the central government to develop advanced technologies for the country's major construction projects and national defense.

Wang was an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Engineering, and International Academy of Astronautics.