Professor Zengbo (James ) Wang

Professor in Imaging and Laser Micromachining

z.wang@bangor.ac.uk

+44 1248 382696

0000-0002-3282-1052

Overview

Prof. Zengbo Wang received BSc and MSc degrees in physics from Xiamen University, P.R. China, and a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore.

He is currently a professor at Bangor University and was a visiting professor at Northeastern University (Boston, USA, 2022-2023). He was awarded 2022 Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship to explore cutting-edge research on AI/deep-learning assisted  microsphere nanoscopy and on-demand photonic design. Before joining Bangor University in 2012, he was a lecturer at the University of Manchester from 2009 to 2012.

His research expertise lies in the fields of laser-based manufacturing, nanophotonics, metamaterials, solar energy, fiber sensors and advanced AI and machine learning, with special focuses on super-resolution microscopy, imaging, sensing, laser micro and nano processing for the industry. He has strong publication and citation records. He is an elected senior member of Optica (2017) and is known as the leading pioneer of microsphere and nanosphere-based superlens technologies. Please visit his team website at https://laserphotonics.uk/

Email: z.wang@bangor.ac.uk

Office: Dean Street Building, Bangor University, Room 228

Tel:       +44(0) 1248 382696 

Fax:      +44(0) 1248 362686 

Web:     https://laserphotonics.uk

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=5MBSTZ8AAAAJ&hl=en

1) Superlens and super-resolution microscopy

 James and his team are known for their pioneering works on microsphere and nanoparticle-based dielectric superlens technologies, including ‘microsphere superlens’ and ‘microsphere nanoscope’ (2011, published in Nature Communications), ’spider silk superlens’ (2016, Nano Letters) and ’nanoparticle superlens’ (2016, Science Advances). All these works were widely publicised and appeared in major media including BBC, New York Times, Daily Mail, Independent, Australian BC, China Xinhua and a huge number of science and engineering websites, as well as in RCUK’s ’50 big ideas for the future’.  These works were featured in the 2023 seminal article “Roadmap on Label-Free Super-resolution Imaging” published in Laser Photonics Reviews.

James is the 2016 finalist for ‘Research Excellence Award’ and ‘Dissertation/thesis supervisor of the year’ of Bangor University. He was also selected as a member of 2015 Welsh Crucible cohort (group of young Wales-based leaders in academia, industry and business). He received Most Outstanding R&D Staff Merit Award in 2005 for his contribution in laser cleaning at DSI Singapore.

The latest nanoparticle superlens developed by James and his team is one of the most powerful superlens in the field at present. Compared to other superlenses, Bangor’s superlens produces shaper and better-quality images of super-resolved nanoscale features, including for example 50-nm standard polystyrene nanoparticles, 45-nm gaps in semiconductor chips and 90-100 nm adenoviruses.

2) Laser-based manufacturing and processing 

The team perform research into laser cutting, welding, drilling, texturing, marking, cleaning, polishing,  and others (e.g. laser improvement of seed germination and yield) for various industrial applications. The team hosts a wide range of laser facilities at Bangor, including nanosecond fibre and UV lasers, high-power high repetition rate femtosecond laser (Jasper 30W, 4 wavelengths) and CO2 lasers.  Various other characterisation/nano-manfacuturing tools including advanced 3D laser scanning microscopes (Olympus OLS5000 and DSX1000), and environmental scanning electron microscope (E-SEM) with integrated E-beam Lithography (EBL),  are also available for the precise measurement, nano-manufacturing and characterisation puroposes. The research was supported by major pan-wales project “Centre for Photonics Expertise (CPE)” which supports welsh industry (all sectors including electronics, optics, aerospace, automotive, energy, nuclear, etc.) in developing new products, process and services. We have been working with companies including Qioptiq, TataSteel, Welsh Slates, Trascend Packaging, among others.   The team has developed very unique capability in direct laser nano marking using specially developed superlens with sub-100 nm resolution.

3) Fiber-based optical and quantum sensing

  • Novel surface-functionalized FBG/LPG sensors.
  • Ultrasensitive cell vibration detection (picometer scale vibration)
  • Optical fiber trapping, imaging, sensing 
  • Quantum sensing

4) Shift-free anti-laser metamaterial filters:

The team are among the few groups who have successfully developed new metamaterial-based, shift-free, wide-angle, narrowband filters for anti laser striking application and working towards new application in underwater optical communications.

5) Solar cell:

  • Novel laser trapping nanostrucuters and metasurface for high efficiency solar cell;
  • solar-driven nanoparticle synthesis and water splitting
  • Nanophotonics and plasmonics in perovskite solar cells
  • Advanced laser manufacturing technology for solar cell

6) AI and Deep learning in photonics design, imaging and manufacturing 

  • On-demand photonic inverse design
  • Machine learning driving super-resolution imaging
  • AI and ML driven advanced manufacturing
  • Advanced imaging with AI and ML
  • Intelligent robotic manufacturing
I welcome PhD candidates to join my team to work in the following areas: (1) AI/Deep Learning for photonics and imaging. (2) Laser nano-manufacturing. (3) Optical Neural Networks. (4) Nanophotonics and metasurfaces. (5) Super-resolution science and technology. (6) Optical fiber sensors. (7) Renewable energy (Solar, etc.). Currently, we do not have fully funded scholarships avaliable for PhD candidates, so they would need to be self-funded. However, exceptional candidates may apply for a tuition fee waiver, which should be discussed directly with me.

2025

2024

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2016

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2011

2008

2023

  • NERC cross-disciplinary research for Discovery Science Funded Project: Looking through the superlens at the impact of ozone on tree seed germination, establishment and mycorrhization.

    Globally, afforestation is proposed as a nature-based solution to meet Net Zero targets. However, recent evidence suggests that ground-level ozone (O3), formed during photolysis of precursors such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), can decrease net primary productivity (NPP) of plants by 50% with serious implications for ecosystem function and sustainability. Afforestation and ecosystem restoration using natural regeneration and direct seedling are reliant on the continued viability of seed and successful establishment of forests is highly dependent on the mycorrhizal fungal symbiont that facilitates the acquisition of nutrients, improves resilience and connects plants via common mycorrhizal networks. This study will investigate the effect of ground-level O3 on tree seed germination, mycorrhization and seedling viability using cutting-edge visualisation and compound analysis techniques.

    Value=£20,000

    1 Jan 2023 – 30 Apr 2023

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

2022

  • Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship

    12 month research leave to undertake fellowship project entitled "Deep learning assisted microsphere nanoscopy and on-demand photonic design" in an oversea institution.

    1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2023

    Activity: Types of Award - Fellowship awarded competitively (Contributor)
  • National Eisteddfod 2022

    Organised two day Hand-on laser marking session for visitors, with close to 500 name Tags being marked and distributed.

    5 Aug 2022 – 6 Aug 2022

    Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Organiser)
  • BU-IIA Funded Project: Bangor superlens and nanoscope

    The aims of this project are:

    •To develop a unique dual-functional superlens nano-imaging and nano-marking system that is not existing on the market. – we name it as ‘SuperNANO’ system. •To scale up superlens imaging/fabrication speed by about 5-8 times.

    •To explore and promote commercial, social, and environmental impacts of the developed system against United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to build a strong impact case.

    Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £45,928

    4 May 2022 – 30 Apr 2023

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

2020

  • Cutting-edge photonics research at Bangor University

    At Bangor University's school of computer science and electronic engineering (SEECS), cutting-edge research is being pursued in fields of photonics and optoelectronics, including optical super-resolution imaging, sensing, solar energy, laser manufacturing, nano laser, micro robots, 5G communication and IoT.

    For example, the school is the birth places of the widely publicised 'spider silk superlens' technology, which uses spider silks found in nature as superlens to increase the imaging resolution of optical microscopes by 2-4 times.

    The school is actively engaged in developing new applications of edge computing deployed in North Wales and enhancing the reliability of solar cells, and electronic sensors in the industry.

    In this webinar, Drs. James Wang, Noel Bristow and Jeff Kettle from the school will present:

    • Laser-based Micro/nano-manufacturing for industry (engraving, colour marking, texturing, cleaning, security labelling) - James

    • Optical superlens and nanoscope and their applications – James

    • New applications of IoT and edge computing deployed in North Wales (Noel)

    • Enhancing the reliability of photonic and electronic products (Jeff)

    Join with us to explore the cutting-edge photonics research at Bangor University school of computer science and electronic engineering. Meet our team to discuss photonics solutions for your business.

    14 Jul 2020

    Links:

    Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
  • Wales Tech Week

    14 Jul 2020

    Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker)

2017

  • Laser Engraving

    Using a laser engraving equipment and a software to show the visitors the process of the laser engraving. The marking process will be recorded through a video camera and shown on a computer monitor, so the visitors will be able to watch the whole marking process.

    11 Aug 2017 – 12 Aug 2017

    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Contributor)
  • Bangor Science Festival 2017

    Popular laser marking session, with more than 200 key tags marked with visitor's name on it and distributed as free-gift

    11 Mar 2017

    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Schools engagement (Contributor)
  • Elected Senior Member of OSA

    OSA Senior Members are well-established individuals with a designation that recognizes their experience and professional accomplishments or service within their field that sets them apart from their peers. Below is a complete listing of the 2017 Class of Senior Members.

    2017

    Activity: Types of Award - Fellowship awarded competitively (Contributor)

2016

  • Spider silk helps creates microscope superlens

    Spider silk has been used to create a superlens for a microscope, allowing scientists to view objects previously deemed "invisible".

    Physical laws of light make it impossible to view structures smaller than 200 nanometers - the smallest size of bacteria - using a normal microscope alone.

    But scientists from Bangor and Oxford universities found the silk lets them see beyond the current magnification.

    The discovery was hailed as "exciting".

    Bangor University said extending the limit of the classical microscope's resolution had been the "Holy Grail" of microscopy for over a century and superlenses had been the goal since the turn of the millennium.

    Manufactured superlenses have previously been used but this is believed to be the first time a naturally occurring biological material had been used to create one.

    The team found applying the dragline silk of a golden silk orb-weaver spider to the material being viewed provided an additional two to three times magnification.

    This allowed them to view structures previously classed as "invisible", including some germs and viruses.

    Image copyrightTHINKSTOCK

    The findings have been published in a paper in the nanoscience research journal Nano Letters.

    Dr Zengbo Wang, who led Bangor's team, said producing manufactured superlenses involved some complex engineering processes and finding a natural superlens was important "so that everyone can access superlenses".

    Prof Fritz Vollrath, whose silk group at Oxford University's department of zoology collaborated on the project, said it was "very exciting".

    "These lenses could be used for seeing and viewing previously 'invisible' structures, including engineered nano-structures and biological micro-structures as well as, potentially, native germs and viruses," he said.

    "In much the same was as when you look through a cylindrical glass or bottle, the clearest image only runs along the narrow strip directly opposite your line of vision, or resting on the surface being viewed, the single filament provides a one-dimensional viewing image along its length."

    The golden silk orb-weaver spider - often called Nephila or banana spiders - are known for the impressive webs they weave and are found in warmer regions around the world.

    22 Aug 2016

    Links:

    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)