Assoc. Prof  Dr. Yuan-Yuan Zhao | Machine Learning in Physics | Best Researcher Award

Jinan University | China

Dr. Yuanyuan Zhao is an Associate Professor and Master’s Advisor at Jinan University, specializing in optical micro/nano fabrication and femtosecond laser two-photon processing. His research also focuses on metamaterials, metasurfaces, and micro/nano optics. He has contributed to significant advancements in cross-scale nanolithography and digital mask projection lithography, and he has received widespread recognition for his groundbreaking work.

Profile

Google scholar

Scopus

ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. Zhao began his academic journey at the Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he completed his Ph.D. in Optics from 2011 to 2016. This direct-track program allowed him to quickly establish a strong foundation in optics and nanotechnology, setting the stage for his later research contributions.

Professional Endeavors 🛠️

After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Zhao worked as an Assistant Researcher at the 3D Printing Center, Chongqing Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences from 2016 to 2018, where he honed his expertise in advanced fabrication techniques. He then joined Jinan University in October 2018, where he established the Nano Lithography Technology Team, under the guidance of Prof. Xuanming Duan. His professional journey has been marked by constant innovation, leading to various research projects funded by prestigious programs such as the National Key R&D Program’s “Nanotechnology” project.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Zhao’s work primarily involves femtosecond laser-based micro/nano fabrication techniques, metamaterials, and metasurfaces. His original contributions include the world’s first fabrication of three-dimensional gradient refractive index Luneburg lenses, which was featured as a cover article in Laser Photonics Reviews. His expertise spans the development of cross-scale nanolithography methods and DMD projection lithography, aiming to enhance resolution and create more efficient lithography processes.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Zhao’s research has had a significant impact in the field of optics and nanotechnology. His publications in top-tier journals and his contributions to the development of new fabrication techniques have been widely cited. He has delivered more than 10 international conference talks, including 5 invited talks, showcasing his influence as an expert in optical micro/nano fabrication. His patent portfolio, with 11 filed patents, underscores his role in transforming academic research into technological innovations.

Academic Citations 📑

Dr. Zhao has published over 30 papers in prestigious academic journals, with more than 20 papers where he served as the first author, co-first author, or corresponding author. His contributions have resulted in numerous citations, reflecting the significance and relevance of his work to the global research community. Notable publications in journals like Nature Communications and APL Photonics highlight his contributions to advanced nanofabrication and optical technologies.

Research Skills 🔧

Dr. Zhao is skilled in a variety of cutting-edge research areas, including:

• Femtosecond laser two-photon processing
• Metamaterial fabrication
• Nanolithography
• Digital mask projection lithography
• Deep learning-based inverse lithography

His technical proficiency has enabled him to develop novel fabrication methods, such as digital phase-shifting masks and in-situ digital multi-exposure lithography, which are crucial for improving the resolution of nanostructure fabrication. These skills have placed him at the forefront of nanotechnology and optical engineering.

Teaching Experience 🎓

As a Master’s Advisor at Jinan University, Dr. Zhao has played an important role in educating and mentoring students in the field of optics and nanotechnology. His guidance in the development of the Nano Lithography Technology Team has helped foster a collaborative and research-driven learning environment. Through his teaching, he encourages students to explore innovative technologies in optical fabrication and nanoscience, preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Zhao has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field:

• “Western Light” Young Scholar Award by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2017.
• Distinguished Young Scholar under the Double Hundred Talents Program at Jinan University in 2021.
• Selected as Principal Investigator for various National and Guangdong Natural Science Foundation research projects.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Dr. Zhao’s legacy in the field of nano optics and metamaterials is already well-established, with numerous innovative patents, high-impact publications, and substantial contributions to the development of cutting-edge fabrication techniques. Looking ahead, Dr. Zhao’s research is poised to lead to even greater breakthroughs in cross-scale nanolithography and digital lithography technologies. His continued focus on multi-scale integration methods and dynamic surface scanning technologies is set to have a transformative impact on the future of nanofabrication and metamaterial-based applications.

Publications Top Notes

Two-photon absorption under few-photon irradiation for optical nanoprinting

• Authors: Z. Liang, Y. Zhao, J. Chen, M. Zheng, X. Duan
  Journal: Nature Communications
  Year: 2025

Deep learning-driven digital inverse lithography technology for DMD-based maskless projection lithography

• Authors: J. Chen, Y. Zhao, X. Guo, X. Duan
  Journal: Optics and Laser Technology
  Year: 2025

Nonlinear Raman-Nath diffraction in submicron-thick periodically poled lithium niobate thin film

• Authors: X. Li, L. Peng, Y. Liu, B. Chen, Z. Li
  Journal: PhotoniX
  Year: 2024

Grayscale two-photon 3D printed gradient-refractive-index metamaterial lens for dual-band mid-infrared imaging

• Authors: H. Luo, Y. Zhao, X. Zhao, Y. Cao, X. Duan
  Journal: APL Photonics
  Year: 2024

Ultra-broadband, high absorption, polarization-insensitive microwave absorbers designed based on multi-scale fractal metasurfaces

• Authors: Z. Yuan, S. Cai, Y. Zhao, X. Duan
  Journal: Optical Materials Express
  Year: 2024