Xuan Zhou

Xuan Zhou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), with affiliations in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Center for Advanced Measurements in Extreme Environments (CAMEE). His research integrates optics, materials science, physical chemistry, and mechanical engineering to explore phenomena under extreme conditions.

• B.S. in Materials Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University (2009)
• M.S. in Mechanics and Physics (Optics and Nanotechnology), Université de Technologie de Troyes (2010)
• Ph.D. in Optics and Nanotechnology, Université de Technologie de Troyes (2014)
• Postdoctoral Research, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2014–2016, Photoelectrochemistry; 2016–?, Shock Physics)

Dr. Zhou's research focuses on nano-optics and photonics, materials under high pressure and shock compression, plasmon-assisted photopolymerization, and electrocatalysis. His lab develops ultra-high-resolution 3D printing techniques using surface plasmons, studies material transformations under GPa-level pressures via diamond anvil cells, and investigates shock-induced changes in semiconductors and energetic materials through optical spectroscopy. His interdisciplinary approach bridges nanofabrication, spectroscopy, and extreme environment physics.

The recent publications highlight strong trends in shock wave physics, plasmon-enhanced nanofabrication, and mechanochemistry. His work frequently combines experimental optics with materials synthesis and characterization, often in collaboration with groups at Miami University and UIUC. Keywords across the articles include nano-optics, shock compression, semiconductors, MOFs, and photopolymerization, reflecting a cohesive research program in materials under extreme conditions and nanoscale light-matter interactions.

Scientific recognitions include:

• Front Cover Feature, Accounts of Chemical Research, December 2020 issue
• Included in Journal of Optics Highlights of 2014 for plasmon-based photopolymerization work

Dr. Zhou actively advises graduate and undergraduate researchers, currently mentoring Kade Johnson, Christian Verry, Eric Austin, and Kenneth Mikolaichik. He leads the Zhou Lab at UTSA, which is equipped for high-pressure and shock experiments and optical characterization. The lab has ongoing projects in nano-3D printing, high-pressure plasmonics, and shock spectroscopy, supported by external collaborations. He is actively recruiting PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students for Fall 2025 and beyond. While specific grants are not listed, his research scope suggests support from agencies interested in materials under extreme environments, nanophotonics, and energy materials.

The Zhou Lab operates in the Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) Building at UTSA, with lab space in AET 3.206 and office in AET 3.374. The team uses advanced optical setups for Raman, fluorescence, and dark-field imaging, and conducts experiments involving diamond anvil cells and shock platforms. The lab fosters interdisciplinary training in experimental physics, materials synthesis, and optical instrumentation.