Shenzhen University | China
Mr. Zhiwei Guan is an emerging researcher specializing in on-chip optical information processing and optical communications. Currently pursuing an integrated Master-Ph.D. program in Optical Engineering at Shenzhen University under Prof. Dianyuan Fan, he has developed expertise in micro-nano photonic device design, fabrication, and optical communication technologies. His research contributions span the development of advanced mode division multiplexing (MDM) systems, photonic crystal devices, and metasurface-based optical processors. With multiple first-author publications in top-tier CAS Q1/Q2 journals and granted patents, Guan has demonstrated a strong combination of theoretical insight, practical fabrication skills, and innovative experimental design. Recognized with numerous academic awards, he is actively contributing to advancing high-speed, high-capacity optical networks, aiming to bridge fundamental photonic research with real-world communication applications.
Author Profiles
Education
Zhiwei Guan began his academic journey at Shenzhen University, earning his bachelor’s degree in Optoelectronic Information Science and Engineering. During his undergraduate years, he developed a strong foundation in optical physics, photonics, and device fabrication techniques. He then entered the university’s integrated Master-Ph.D. program in Optical Engineering, supervised by Prof. Dianyuan Fan, where his studies have focused on photonic integrated circuits, micro-nano optical device design, and optical communication systems. This program has allowed him to combine deep theoretical research with extensive experimental work, leading to innovations in mode division multiplexing, topological photonics, and on-chip optical signal processing. Through active involvement in national and provincial research projects, Guan has built a robust academic and technical foundation for a career in photonics.
Professional Experience
Guan’s research experience centers on the design, fabrication, and application of advanced micro-nano optical devices. He has investigated optical field modulation mechanisms in subwavelength nanostructures, fabricating high-performance silicon-based waveguide devices using electron beam lithography, plasma etching, and other microfabrication techniques. In optical communications, he has led and contributed to projects advancing mode division multiplexing (MDM) networks, developing devices for (de)multiplexing, add/drop multiplexing, and full-duplex transmission. His experimental system achieved a record transmission rate of 15.625 Tbit/s. Guan has also worked on topological photonic crystal devices and metasurface-based orbital angular momentum processors. His role has ranged from device design to full-scale system integration, consistently bridging theoretical models with experimental verification, and overcoming fabrication challenges to produce practical, high-performance photonic solutions.
Awards & Honors
Zhiwei Guan’s research excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and scholarships. In 2024, he was honored with Shenzhen University’s “Excellent Doctoral Program” distinction, the “Top Innovative Talent Scholarship – Special Award,” the “Pengcheng Scholarship,” and the Doctoral Academic Scholarship. The year prior, he received the “Top Innovative Talent Scholarship – First Prize,” the Doctoral Academic Scholarship, and the “Outstanding Graduate Student Leader” award, acknowledging both academic and leadership excellence. In 2022, he won the Master’s Academic Scholarship – First Prize, and in 2021, the Special Award for the same scholarship. These accolades reflect his consistent top-tier performance, innovative research contributions, and active engagement in academic leadership. His recognition across multiple years underscores sustained excellence, positioning him as one of Shenzhen University’s most promising young photonics researchers.
Research Focus
Zhiwei Guan’s research focuses on on-chip optical information processing and high-capacity optical communications, with an emphasis on mode division multiplexing (MDM) technology. His work addresses the growing demand for faster, more efficient data transmission by designing and fabricating advanced micro-nano photonic devices, including silicon-based waveguides, topological photonic crystals, and metasurfaces. Guan’s research spans from fundamental optical field modulation studies at subwavelength scales to practical device integration for optical networking. His innovations in multimode processors enable key network functions such as (de)multiplexing, add/drop multiplexing, cross-connection, and full-duplex communication. He has successfully demonstrated an MDM-based experimental system achieving transmission speeds up to 15.625 Tbit/s. Beyond communication capacity, his work explores all-optical signal processing for next-generation photonic systems. By integrating design, simulation, fabrication, and testing, Guan’s research aims to create scalable, high-performance photonic solutions bridging academic research and industrial applications.
Notable Publication
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Harpoon-shaped topological photonic crystal for on-chip beam splitter
Authors: Z Guan, R Dou, C Xie, T Zuo, L Huang, K Wen, C Wang, H Ye, J Liu, …
Journal: Science China Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy
Year: 2024
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Diversity gain in cylindrical vector beam multiplexing
Authors: Z Guan, J Yang, J Ren, C Xie, L Nong, L Huang, T Zuo, Z Dong, C Wang, …
Journal: Optics & Laser Technology
Year: 2025
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On-chip mode (de) multiplexer utilizing sandwich valley-topological edge waveguides
Authors: Z Guan, K Wen, C Xie, J Liu, C Wang, H Ye, X Zhou, Z Dong, D Fan, …
Journal: APL Photonics
Year: 2025
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Orbital angular momentum mode multiplexing communication in multimode fibers
Authors: Z Guan, T Zuo, C Xie, L Huang, K Wen, C Wang, H Ye, Z Dong, D Fan, …
Journal: Optics Communications
Year: 2024
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Photonic crystal-connected bidirectional micro-ring resonator array for duplex mode and wavelength channel (de) multiplexing
Authors: Z Guan, C Wang, C Xie, H Wu, J Liu, H Ye, D Fan, J Xiao, S Chen
Journal: Photonics Research
Year: 2024
Conclusion
Zhiwei Guan is a highly capable young researcher whose work in on-chip photonics and optical communications demonstrates both technical mastery and innovative thinking. His combination of high-impact publications, patents, and significant experimental achievements reflects a strong ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical, scalable technologies. Recognized with multiple academic honors, he is well-positioned to make lasting contributions to photonic science and engineering. Guan’s dedication, creativity, and leadership make him a standout candidate for recognition as an emerging leader in optical research.