Professor from Shanghai University, China
Dr. Liang Zhang is a distinguished Professor at the School of Communication and Information Engineering, Shanghai University. With a research focus spanning advanced fiber lasers, optical fiber sensing, and nonlinear fiber optics, he has made significant contributions to the field of photonics. After earning his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dr. Zhang pursued international research at premier institutions such as École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland and the University of Ottawa in Canada. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers in prestigious journals including Physical Review Letters, Optica, and Optics Express, and presented at leading global conferences like OFC and CLEO. Recognized for his academic excellence, he has been selected for elite programs including the Shanghai Overseas High-level Talents and Young Oriental Scholar Program. Dr. Zhang is also actively involved in academic service as a member of Optica and editorial boards of several Chinese scientific journals. In addition to his research, he has a strong commitment to education, mentoring undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. His international background, deep subject expertise, and impactful research make him a leading figure in the domain of optical communication and fiber laser technologies.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Liang Zhang’s educational journey is rooted in one of China’s premier institutions, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from SJTU in 2009, where he developed a foundational understanding of physical sciences. Motivated by a strong academic inclination, he continued at SJTU to pursue a Ph.D. in the Department of Physics and Astronomy under the supervision of Prof. Li Zhan. His doctoral research from 2009 to 2016 was focused on advanced photonics and fiber optics, contributing to the foundation of his future innovations. During his Ph.D., from 2013 to 2014, he was selected for a prestigious international visiting researcher program at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, where he worked under Prof. Luc Thévenaz in the Group of Fiber Optics. This exposure broadened his research perspectives and introduced him to cutting-edge methodologies in fiber sensing and laser systems. His rigorous academic training, both domestic and international, allowed him to build a strong theoretical and experimental foundation in optics, communication systems, and photonics. These educational experiences have significantly shaped his innovative approach and leadership in the research community.
Professional Experience
Dr. Liang Zhang has cultivated a dynamic and international professional trajectory that bridges academia and cutting-edge research in optics and photonics. After completing his Ph.D., he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Ottawa, Canada, from 2016 to 2019. Under the supervision of Prof. Xiaoyi Bao, he explored novel optical fiber sensor technologies and advanced fiber laser systems. His contributions during this period were instrumental in enhancing his expertise in nonlinear optics and distributed sensing. In 2019, Dr. Zhang returned to China and joined Shanghai University, initially as an Associate Professor in the School of Communication and Information Engineering. In 2020, he was promoted to Full Professor, further solidifying his role as a key figure in the university’s research initiatives. At Shanghai University, he also became part of the Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, contributing to national scientific goals. His professional service includes membership in Optica and participation as a reviewer for major international journals, as well as youth editorial board positions for China Laser Press and Journal of Chinese Inertial Technology. His professional journey reflects a consistent trajectory of growth, leadership, and impact in the field of optical engineering.
Research Interest
Dr. Liang Zhang’s research interests lie at the intersection of photonics, fiber optics, and sensing technologies, with a strong emphasis on both theoretical and application-driven advancements. A core area of his work is advanced fiber laser technology, where he explores random fiber lasers with randomly distributed feedback, narrow linewidth fiber lasers, and multi-wavelength laser sources. His investigations contribute to the development of stable, high-performance laser systems for scientific and industrial use. Another primary focus is optical fiber sensing, particularly distributed sensing techniques based on Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering. His innovations in this domain enable precise detection of strain, temperature, and acoustic signals, with potential applications in structural health monitoring, aerospace, and security. Dr. Zhang is also deeply engaged in nonlinear fiber optics, especially in the phenomena of Brillouin slow and fast light, and their use in all-optical signal processing. These areas reflect his interest in exploiting nonlinear effects to achieve greater control and efficiency in optical networks. His multidisciplinary research not only pushes the boundaries of optical science but also opens doors for integration into emerging technologies like IoT and smart sensing systems, reinforcing his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the field.
Research Skills
Dr. Liang Zhang possesses a comprehensive suite of research skills that span the full spectrum of fiber optics and photonic system design. His experimental expertise includes high-precision construction and characterization of fiber laser systems, along with advanced proficiency in distributed optical fiber sensing technologies. He is adept at utilizing Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering techniques for developing novel sensing architectures, particularly for real-time monitoring and non-destructive testing. Dr. Zhang is also highly skilled in nonlinear optics, including Brillouin slow and fast light mechanisms, enabling him to manipulate light propagation for use in optical memory, buffering, and signal processing. He has hands-on experience with photonic instrumentation, including optical spectrum analyzers, frequency-domain reflectometers, and ultrafast pulse lasers. His familiarity with high-level simulation tools and modeling platforms allows him to integrate theoretical insights with practical system designs. In addition to his laboratory skills, Dr. Zhang is proficient in scientific writing and peer reviewing, evidenced by his publications in top-tier journals and active involvement as a reviewer. His international collaborations have further enriched his interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research management abilities. Collectively, these skills make him a well-rounded researcher capable of executing complex projects with scientific rigor and innovation.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Liang Zhang has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors that reflect his scholarly excellence and leadership in the field of photonics. In 2020, he was selected for the Shanghai Overseas High-level Talents Program, acknowledging his international expertise and contributions to China’s scientific development. He was also a recipient of the Shanghai Young Oriental Scholar Program, a competitive initiative supporting promising young faculty with outstanding research potential. Over the years, Dr. Zhang has successfully led multiple nationally funded projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)—both the General and Youth Projects—further attesting to his research credibility and innovative approach. Additionally, he has contributed as a key participant to Canadian research programs under NSERC, involving high-speed random number generation and broadband laser technologies. His editorial roles on the youth boards of China Laser Press and the Journal of Chinese Inertial Technology, combined with his reviewing work for globally reputed journals such as Optica, OE, OL, and JLT, reinforce his standing in the international academic community. These accolades collectively highlight his consistent trajectory of academic impact and his recognition by institutions and peers both within China and globally.
Conclusion
Dr. Liang Zhang exemplifies a well-rounded, innovative, and impactful researcher in the realm of optical communication, fiber lasers, and sensing technologies. His journey from Shanghai Jiao Tong University to esteemed research institutions in Switzerland and Canada showcases a dedication to excellence and global scientific engagement. He seamlessly integrates advanced experimental skills, theoretical insights, and educational mentorship, making significant contributions to academia and industry. His research is well-funded and published in elite journals, and he actively contributes to peer review and editorial work, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the broader scientific community. Through his mentorship, he is shaping the next generation of engineers and scientists in the field. Recognitions such as the Shanghai Overseas High-level Talents Program and Young Oriental Scholar Award reflect his scientific leadership and promise. While his research is already highly relevant, expanding into interdisciplinary domains and strengthening industry partnerships could elevate his impact even further. Overall, Dr. Zhang is a deserving candidate for high-level research awards, and his achievements strongly support his recognition as a leading voice in photonics and optical engineering. His career continues to be marked by innovation, collaboration, and sustained academic excellence.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: A METTL3–METTL14 complex mediates mammalian nuclear RNA N6-adenosine methylation
Authors: J. Liu, Y. Yue, D. Han, X. Wang, Y. Fu, L. Zhang, G. Jia, M. Yu, Z. Lu, X. Deng, …
Journal: Nature Chemical Biology (2014)
Citations: 3,159
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Title: Satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution
Authors: S.K. Liao, W.Q. Cai, W.Y. Liu, L. Zhang, Y. Li, J.G. Ren, J. Yin, Q. Shen, Y. Cao, …
Journal: Nature (2017)
Citations: 2,022
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Title: Graphene oxide as a sulfur immobilizer in high performance lithium/sulfur cells
Authors: L. Ji, M. Rao, H. Zheng, L. Zhang, Y. Li, W. Duan, J. Guo, E.J. Cairns, Y. Zhang
Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society (2011)
Citations: 1,719
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Title: Satellite-based entanglement distribution over 1200 kilometers
Authors: J. Yin, Y. Cao, Y.H. Li, S.K. Liao, L. Zhang, J.G. Ren, W.Q. Cai, W.Y. Liu, B. Li, …
Journal: Science (2017)
Citations: 1,666
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Title: Ultrafine jagged platinum nanowires enable ultrahigh mass activity for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: M. Li, Z. Zhao, T. Cheng, A. Fortunelli, C.Y. Chen, R. Yu, Q. Zhang, L. Gu, …
Journal: Science (2016)
Citations: 1,565
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Title: Exosomes mediate stromal mobilization of autocrine Wnt-PCP signaling in breast cancer cell migration
Authors: V. Luga, L. Zhang, A.M. Viloria-Petit, A.A. Ogunjimi, M.R. Inanlou, E. Chiu, …
Journal: Cell (2012)
Citations: 1,489
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Title: Base-resolution analysis of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the mammalian genome
Authors: M. Yu, G.C. Hon, K.E. Szulwach, C.X. Song, L. Zhang, A. Kim, X. Li, Q. Dai, …
Journal: Cell (2012)
Citations: 1,164
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Title: Ground-to-satellite quantum teleportation
Authors: J.G. Ren, P. Xu, H.L. Yong, L. Zhang, S.K. Liao, J. Yin, W.Y. Liu, W.Q. Cai, …
Journal: Nature (2017)
Citations: 1,071
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Title: Pre-trained models: Past, present and future
Authors: X. Han, Z. Zhang, N. Ding, Y. Gu, X. Liu, Y. Huo, J. Qiu, Y. Yao, A. Zhang, …
Journal: AI Open (2021)
Citations: 1,063
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Title: An integrated space-to-ground quantum communication network over 4,600 kilometres
Authors: Y.A. Chen, Q. Zhang, T.Y. Chen, W.Q. Cai, S.K. Liao, J. Zhang, K. Chen, J. Yin, …
Journal: Nature (2021)
Citations: 1,021
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Title: Satellite-relayed intercontinental quantum network
Authors: S.K. Liao, W.Q. Cai, J. Handsteiner, B. Liu, J. Yin, L. Zhang, D. Rauch, M. Fink, …
Journal: Physical Review Letters (2018)
Citations: 978
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Title: Efficient hydrogen peroxide generation using reduced graphene oxide-based oxygen reduction electrocatalysts
Authors: H.W. Kim, M.B. Ross, N. Kornienko, L. Zhang, J. Guo, P. Yang, B.D. McCloskey
Journal: Nature Catalysis (2018)
Citations: 927