{"id":728,"date":"2025-12-13T14:39:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T19:39:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/?page_id=728"},"modified":"2026-04-26T15:25:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T19:25:33","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Research"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n.edge-blur{\n  border-radius:8px;\n  box-shadow:\n    inset 0 0 22px rgba(255,255,255,.9),\n    0 0 14px rgba(0,0,0,.25);\n}<\/p>\n<p>.lmst-box{\n  width:100%;\n  border-collapse:separate;\n  border-spacing:0;\n  margin:0 0 6px 0;\n  border:1px solid #e5e5e5;\n  border-radius:12px;\n  overflow:hidden;\n  background:#fafafa;\n  table-layout:fixed;\n}\n.lmst-box td{\n  vertical-align:top;\n  padding:10px 12px;\n}<\/p>\n<p>.lmst-para{\n  margin:2px 0 6px 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<style>\n\/* ===== 1) PORTRAIT \/ narrow phones: STACK ===== *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px){<\/p>\n<p>  \/* WP wrappers that can clip tables *\/\n  figure.wp-block-table,\n  .wp-block-table,\n  .wp-block-table table,\n  .entry-content figure,\n  .entry-content .wp-block-table{\n    overflow: visible !important;\n  }<\/p>\n<p>  \/* STACK just our LMST cards *\/\n  table.lmst-box{ width:100% !important; max-width:100% !important; table-layout:auto !important; }\n  table.lmst-box tr,\n  table.lmst-box td{ display:block !important; width:100% !important; float:none !important; }<\/p>\n<p>  \/* PHOTO cell on top *\/\n  table.lmst-box td.photo{\n    padding:0 !important;\n    margin:0 0 12px 0 !important;\n  }<\/p>\n<p>  table.lmst-box td.photo img{\n    display:block !important;\n    width:100% !important;\n    max-width:none !important;\n    height:auto !important;\n    margin:0 !important;\n  }<\/p>\n<p>  \/* TEXT cell below *\/\n  table.lmst-box td:not(.photo){\n    padding:16px 18px !important;\n  }\n}<\/p>\n<p>\/* ===== 2) LANDSCAPE phones\/tablets: FORCE 2-COLUMN (one line) ===== *\/\n@media (min-width: 601px) and (max-width: 900px) and (orientation: landscape){<\/p>\n<p>  figure.wp-block-table,\n  .wp-block-table,\n  .wp-block-table table{\n    overflow: visible !important;\n  }<\/p>\n<p>  \/* restore table behavior *\/\n  table.lmst-box{ width:100% !important; table-layout: fixed !important; }\n  table.lmst-box tr{ display: table-row !important; }\n  table.lmst-box td{ display: table-cell !important; vertical-align: top !important; }<\/p>\n<p>  \/* FIX LEFT COLUMN WIDTH so it can't wrap to next line *\/\n  table.lmst-box td.photo{\n    width: 320px !important;          \/* key: px-based left column *\/\n    padding:16px 12px 16px 18px !important;\n    margin:0 !important;\n  }\n  table.lmst-box td.photo img{\n    width: 320px !important;\n    max-width: 320px !important;\n    height: auto !important;\n    margin:0 auto !important;\n  }<\/p>\n<p>  table.lmst-box td:not(.photo){\n    padding:16px 18px 16px 12px !important;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n<p><!-- ===================== BOX ===================== --><\/p>\n<table class=\"lmst-box\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"photo\" style=\"width:45%; padding-right:12px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; height:100%;\">\n    <a href=\"\/xinzhang-lab\/files\/2026\/04\/Xin-Zhang_Boston-University_Research-photo-1.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"display:block; width:100%; max-width:100%;\"><br \/>\n      <img src=\"\/xinzhang-lab\/files\/2026\/04\/Xin-Zhang_Boston-University_Research-photo-1.png\"\n           class=\"edge-blur\" style=\"display:block; width:96%; height:auto; margin:0 auto;\"><br \/>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width:55%;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:18px !important; line-height:1.65 !important;\">\n        Professor Xin Zhang&rsquo;s scholarly endeavors are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of metamaterials and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS or microsystems), spanning from elucidating their fundamental physics and mathematical underpinnings to guiding their design, development, and practical implementation in real-world scenarios. The ultimate success in developing these material and system classes hinges on both a rigorous understanding of their underlying principles and their effective translation to address pertinent societal challenges.\n      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- paragraph OUTSIDE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"lmst-para\" style=\"font-size:18px !important; line-height:1.65 !important;\">\n  Guided by her research vision, she and her students are therefore deeply engaged in the broad spectrum of metamaterials and microsystems, encompassing both their scientific foundations and technological advancements. Furthermore, the intersection of metamaterials and microsystems provides a rich milieu for interdisciplinary research, from which she and her students draw much of their passion.\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- paragraph OUTSIDE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"lmst-para\" style=\"font-size:18px !important; line-height:1.65 !important;\">\n  She firmly believes that the future promise of metamaterials and microsystems extends across a myriad of scientific disciplines, presenting unparalleled opportunities for diverse and versatile applications. With unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and technology&mdash;and to spearheading interdisciplinary research at the convergence of engineering and science&mdash;she, together with her students, aspires to unlock the boundless potential of metamaterials and microsystems to address a myriad of complex global challenges.\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- paragraph OUTSIDE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"lmst-para\" style=\"font-size:18px !important; line-height:1.65 !important;\">\n  Three focal research themes and application areas are underscored by Professor Xin Zhang&rsquo;s recent work, namely metamaterials and microsystems:\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"xz-themes-page\">\n<style>\n\/* ===== Intro image only ===== *\/\n.xz-themes-page img.alignleft,\n.xz-themes-page img.alignright{\n  max-width: 42% !important;\n  height: auto !important;\n}\n.xz-themes-page img.alignleft{ margin: 0 8px 6px 0 !important; }\n.xz-themes-page img.alignright{ margin: 0 0 6px 8px !important; }<\/p>\n<p>.xz-themes-page .xz-theme-table td{\n  vertical-align:top;\n}\n.xz-themes-page .xz-theme-table .xz-right{\n  padding:6px 10px 8px 10px !important; 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  \n}\n.xz-themes-page p{\n  margin-top: 1.15em !important;\n  margin-bottom: 1.15em !important;\n  line-height: 1.55;  \n}\n\/* ===== Option A: modern 3D number badge ===== *\/\n.xz-themes-page .xz-theme-table td:first-child b{\n  display:inline-flex;\n  align-items:center;\n  justify-content:center;\n  width:42px;\n  height:42px;\n  border-radius:999px;\n\n  background:\n    linear-gradient(180deg, #ffffff 0%, #f2f4f7 100%);\n  border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.08);\n\n  box-shadow:\n    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.9),\n    0 6px 18px rgba(0,0,0,.10),\n    0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,.08);\n\n  font-size:18px;\n  font-weight:700;\n}\n\/* lock width of the number column *\/\n.xz-themes-page .xz-theme-table td:first-child{\n  width:56px;\n  padding:0 !important;\n}\n\/* subtle background for left number column *\/\n.xz-themes-page .xz-theme-table td:first-child{\n  background: linear-gradient(\n    to right,\n    #f4f6f9 0%,\n    #f7f9fb 60%,\n    transparent 100%\n  ) !important;\n}\n\/* tighten table geometry for card effect *\/\n.xz-themes-page .xz-theme-table{\n  border-collapse:separate !important;\n  border-spacing:0 !important;\n}\n\n\/* ===== Lift the entire themes table (subtle 3D card) ===== *\/\n.xz-themes-page .xz-theme-table{\n  border-radius:16px;\n  background:#ffffff;\n  box-shadow:\n    0 18px 48px rgba(0,0,0,.08),\n    0 6px 18px rgba(0,0,0,.05);\n  overflow:hidden;   \/* keeps rounded corners clean *\/\n}\n\/* pull the title line closer to the top border *\/\n.xz-themes-page .xz-theme-table .xz-right > p:first-child{\n  margin-top:-6px !important;   \/* try -4px to -10px *\/\n}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"xz-theme-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;\"><b>1<\/b><\/td>\n<td class=\"xz-right\">\n<p>\n      <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/research\/metamaterials-photonic-and-optical-applications\/\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n        With tunable and nonlinear responses for photonic and optical applications<br \/>\n      <\/a><\/strong> to advance next-generation (6G) terahertz communications and enable high-performance optical systems by providing high-end components, including emitters, detectors, filters, and lenses;\n    <\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/research\/metamaterials-photonic-and-optical-applications\/\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:none;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"xz-imgwrap\">\n        <img src=\"\/xinzhang-lab\/files\/2025\/12\/Xin-Zhang_Boston-University_Research-photo-2.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;\"><b>2<\/b><\/td>\n<td class=\"xz-right\">\n<p>\n      <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/research\/metamaterials-mri-intelligent-metamaterials-for-enhanced-mri\/\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n        For clinical medical imaging technologies<br \/>\n      <\/a><\/strong> including magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, to deliver revolutionary performance gains and disruptive new capabilities for diagnosis and therapy;\n    <\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/research\/metamaterials-mri-intelligent-metamaterials-for-enhanced-mri\/\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:none;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"xz-imgwrap\">\n        <img src=\"\/xinzhang-lab\/files\/2025\/12\/Feature_6.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;\"><b>3<\/b><\/td>\n<td class=\"xz-right\">\n<p>\n      <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/research\/metamaterials-for-acoustic-and-wireless-sensing\/\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n        For acoustic and\/or wireless sensing<br \/>\n      <\/a><\/strong> with a particular focus on acoustic silencing and noise reduction\u2014addressing long-standing noise challenges in mechanical systems where highly efficient, air-permeable sound silencers are required (e.g., fan, propeller, or engine noise reduction), as well as smart sound barriers, among many others.\n    <\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/research\/metamaterials-for-acoustic-and-wireless-sensing\/\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:none;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"xz-imgwrap-split\">\n<div class=\"xz-left\">\n          <img src=\"\/xinzhang-lab\/files\/2025\/12\/Xin-Zhang_Boston-University_Research-photo-6a.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n        <\/div>\n<div class=\"xz-right\">\n          <img src=\"\/xinzhang-lab\/files\/2025\/12\/Xin-Zhang_Boston-University_Research-photo-6b_orginal.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<style>\ntable.lmst-box{\n  border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.08) !important;\n  border-radius: 18px !important;\n  background: #f6f7fb !important;\n  box-shadow: 0 14px 34px rgba(0,0,0,.10), 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.06) !important;\n  overflow: hidden !important;\n}\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Professor Xin Zhang&rsquo;s scholarly endeavors are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of metamaterials and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS or microsystems), spanning from elucidating their fundamental physics and mathematical underpinnings to guiding their design, development, and practical implementation in real-world scenarios. The ultimate success in developing these material and system classes hinges on both a rigorous understanding [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1316,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/728"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1316"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=728"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/728\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11118,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/728\/revisions\/11118"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/xinzhang-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}