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 advanced AI and machine learning, laser-based manufacturing, nanophotonics, metamaterials, solar energy, fiber sensors and  with special focuses on super-resolution microscopy, imaging, sensing, laser micro and nano processing, and AI for business and 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: [email protected]

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) AI and Deep Learning in Photonics Design, Imaging, and Manufacturing

My current research is strongly focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into science and engineering, particularly within the field of photonics. As part of my Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship, I lead a programme dedicated to developing AI-driven super-resolution imaging technologies. My team is actively working at the intersection of AI, optics, and advanced manufacturing to advance resolution, speed, and precision in imaging and fabrication.

We work with a wide range of AI models—including but not limited to Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), and Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN)—to support applications such as AI-assisted photonic inverse design, super-resolution imaging for biological and nanoscale systems, and laser-based nano-patterning and process control. We also explore the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) in scientific and engineering contexts, including the use of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and fine-tuning for domain-specific applications.

In addition to academic research, we are also interested in assisting businesses in adopting the latest AI technologies to support the development of new products, processes, and services.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) 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

5) 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.

6) 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