Light People: Prof. Zhanshan Wang

At the frontiers of X-ray and high-power laser optics, Professor Zhanshan Wang has made outstanding contributions from fundamental mechanism to fabrication technologies and high performance applications over the last 25 years. As a Professor at Tongji University, he leads the Innovative Research Group of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, pioneered a novel theoretical framework for the synergistic tailoring of spectral response, electric field distribution, irradiation damage and optical loss in thin films optics. He developed high-precision characterization methods for resolving atomic-scale defects in coatings, invented a full-process and quantitative fabrication technology for thin film optics. By establishing premier research platforms and cultivating a highly skilled scientific team, his sustained efforts have greatly improved the performance of X-ray and optical thin-film devices which have been widely applied in synchrotron radiation, high power laser facilities, and space telescope. In this interview, he reflects on the scientific concepts guiding his research on X-ray and laser optics, the philosophy behind cultivating a world-class research team, and his vision for the future of optical science and technology.