Peng Zhang

Peng Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), specializing in theoretical and computational research in nanoelectronics, plasmas, and accelerator technology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (2012) and has been a faculty member at MSU since 2016, previously serving as an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Michigan.

Education:

• Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, 2012
• M.S., Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, 2010
• M.Eng., Microelectronics, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), 2008
• B.Eng., Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), 2006

Research Interests:

Zhang's work focuses on nanoscale interfacial charge transport, vacuum nano devices, quantum tunneling plasmonic junctions, ultrafast photoemission, and compact radiation sources. His research bridges nanoelectronics, plasma physics, and accelerator technology, with applications in high-power microwave generation, THz radiation, and next-generation electronic devices.

Publications & Awards:

He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including contributions to Physical Review Letters, Applied Physics Letters, and Scientific Reports. Notable awards include the ONR YIP (2020), AFOSR YIP (2018), and IEEE NPSS Early Achievement Award (2020). His group, NanoPATh, develops novel plasma-based devices and explores quantum phenomena in nanoscale systems.

Grants & Teaching:

Zhang teaches courses in plasma electrodynamics and circuit systems. His research is supported by grants from ONR, AFOSR, and NSF, focusing on multipactor mitigation, plasma breakdown, and ultrafast electron emission.

Labs & Collaborations:

The NanoPATh Group collaborates with institutions like Argonne National Laboratory and Sandia National Labs. Ongoing projects include THz Smith-Purcell radiation enhancement, quantum tunneling in nanogaps, and plasma dynamics in microscale systems.