Professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University | China
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhe Sun is an accomplished researcher at Northwestern Polytechnical University, renowned for his pioneering contributions to underwater optical detection, imaging, and embodied intelligent systems. With a strong academic foundation, including a Ph.D. and postdoctoral training at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Helmholtz Institute Jena in Germany, he has cultivated an international reputation for innovation and leadership. His work bridges optics, artificial intelligence, and marine engineering, resulting in influential advancements such as carrier-modulated LiDAR-Radar imaging, computational and ghost imaging, and anti-scattering networks for underwater exploration. Dr. Sun has authored impactful publications in IEEE, Science China, and Optics Express, supported by over 300 citations, while also holding several patents that translate theory into practice. As Chief Designer of national R&D programs and an active member of professional societies, he plays a critical role in advancing cross-disciplinary research, mentoring young scholars, and shaping the future of marine and optical technologies worldwide.
Professional Profiles
ORCID Profile | Google Scholar
Education
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhe Sun has built an impressive academic foundation that underpins his global research presence. He pursued his early studies in physics and optics, which shaped his interest in photonics and advanced imaging technologies. He earned his doctoral degree with a focus on laser physics and optical engineering, gaining expertise in high-resolution imaging, light–matter interactions, and ultrafast laser systems. His academic journey extended internationally through prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Helmholtz Institute Jena, Germany, where he advanced research in laser-based imaging, underwater optical systems, and computational optics. This rigorous academic training provided him with both theoretical depth and experimental mastery, enabling him to bridge disciplines such as applied optics, artificial intelligence, and marine engineering. His educational path reflects both commitment and excellence, positioning him to make transformative contributions to optical detection, underwater guidance, and emerging intelligent imaging technologies on a global scale.
Experience
Dr. Sun has accumulated a wealth of professional experience that integrates research, teaching, and leadership across multiple domains of optical science and engineering. At Northwestern Polytechnical University, he has served as a faculty member, advancing to the rank of Associate Professor while mentoring graduate students and leading large-scale research projects. His international exposure as a postdoctoral researcher in Germany expanded his expertise and collaborations, allowing him to co-develop imaging methods with leading European research groups. He has successfully directed National Key Research and Development Program projects in China, contributing to innovations in underwater optical detection and intelligent imaging systems for deep-sea and polar exploration. His role as Chief Designer of national projects and his active participation in cross-institutional collaborations highlight his ability to translate research into practical technologies. Beyond academia, his experience includes editorial board service, peer review for high-impact journals, and involvement in professional societies, reflecting both academic and industrial influence.
Research Interest
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sun’s research interests lie at the intersection of optics, photonics, artificial intelligence, and marine technology, with a special focus on underwater optical imaging, detection, and intelligent guidance systems. His pioneering studies explore carrier-modulated LiDAR-Radar imaging, ghost imaging, computational optics, and anti-scattering networks to overcome challenges in underwater visibility and long-range detection. He is particularly interested in vision-language frameworks and AI-powered optical image processing, which integrate physics-based models with intelligent algorithms to enhance clarity, depth perception, and data interpretation in challenging environments. His work also extends to ultrafast laser physics and high-energy photonic devices, advancing novel sensing methods applicable to marine exploration, robotics, and environmental monitoring. By combining theoretical physics, advanced optical hardware, and machine learning, Dr. Sun aims to revolutionize underwater robotics, create new standards for optical detection, and develop transformative imaging systems that bridge scientific discovery and real-world applications in marine engineering and intelligent technologies.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Sun has received numerous recognitions and honors that reflect his outstanding contributions to optical research and applied science. He was named a Young Scholar of the Western Academy of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), an honor that highlights his exceptional research potential and leadership. He has been entrusted as the Chief Designer of a National Key R&D Program, demonstrating national-level recognition of his expertise in underwater optical technologies. His scholarly output includes patents in optical detection and imaging systems, as well as impactful publications in high-impact journals such as IEEE Transactions on Image Processing, Science China, and Optics Express, further affirming his academic distinction. He also serves as an editorial board member for journals like Acta Photonica Sinica and Infrared and Laser Engineering. His memberships in professional committees related to optics, imaging, and marine systems underscore his leadership role in shaping the future of optical and intelligent imaging sciences.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Toward high contrast and high-resolution microscopic ghost imaging
Authors: Z Sun, F Tuitje, C Spielmann
Year: 2019
Citation: 40
Title: Several nanosecond Nd:YVO₄ lasers Q-switched by two dimensional materials: tungsten disulfide, molybdenum disulfide, and black phosphorous
Authors: H Liu, Z Sun, X Wang, Y Wang, G Cheng
Year: 2017
Citation: 35
Title: A review of high‐resolution microscopic ghost imaging with a low‐dose pseudothermal light
Authors: Z Sun, F Tuitje, C Spielmann
Year: 2021
Citation: 21
Title: Computational ghost imaging in turbulent water based on self-supervised information extraction network
Authors: Y Chen, Z Sun, C Li, X Li
Year: 2023
Citation: 19
Title: Sub-nanosecond pulse, single longitudinal mode Q-switched Nd:YVO₄ laser controlled by reflecting Bragg gratings
Authors: Z Sun, Q Li, H Lei, Y Hui, M Jiang
Year: 2013
Citation: 19
Title: Part-based image-loop network for single-pixel imaging
Authors: X Li, Y Chen, T Tian, Z Sun
Year: 2024
Citation: 18
Title: Crest: Cross-modal resonance through evidential deep learning for enhanced zero-shot learning
Authors: H Huang, X Qiao, Z Chen, H Chen, B Li, Z Sun, M Chen, X Li
Year: 2024
Citation: 15
Title: Improvements of Computational Ghost Imaging by Using Sequenced Speckle
Authors: Sukyoon Oh, Zhe Sun, Tong Tian, Christian Spielmann
Year: 2023
Title: Improving the Contrast of Pseudothermal Ghost Images Based on the Measured Signal Distribution of Speckle Fields
Authors: Zhe Sun, Frederik Tuitje, Christian Spielmann
Year: 2021
Title: Nanosecond level passively Q-switched Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO₄ laser using black phosphorus as a saturable absorber
Authors: Zhe Sun
Year: 2019
Title: Intrinsic reduction of the depolarization loss in electro-optical Q-switched laser using a rectangular KD*P crystal
Authors: Zhe Sun
Year: 2017
Title: Underwater ghost imaging with pseudo-Bessel-ring modulation pattern
Authors: Z Sun, T Tian, S Oh, J Wang, G Cheng, X Li
Year: 2023
Citation: 8
Title: Multi-polarization fusion network for ghost imaging through dynamic scattering media
Authors: X Lu, Z Sun, Y Chen, T Tian, Q Huang, X Li
Year: 2024
Citation: 7
Title: Stable polarized diode-pumped passively Q-switched [100]-cut Nd:YAG laser with Cr⁴⁺:YAG crystal
Authors: Z Sun, Q Li, X Chen, H Lei, M Jiang, Y Hui
Year: 2014
Citation: 7
Title: Water-related optical imaging: from algorithm to hardware
Authors: Z Sun, X Li
Year: 2025
Citation: 6
Title: SentenceVAE: Enable next-sentence prediction for large language models with faster speed, higher accuracy and longer context
Authors: H An, Y Chen, Z Sun, X Li
Year: 2024
Citation: 6
Title: Improvements of computational ghost imaging by using sequenced speckle
Authors: S Oh, Z Sun, T Tian, C Spielmann
Year: 2023
Citation: 5
Title: Effect of thermally induced birefringence on performance of KD*P electro-optics crystal with rectangular shape
Authors: X Yin, M Jiang, Z Sun, Y Hui, H Lei, Q Li
Year: 2017
Citation: 5
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhe Sun represents a new generation of scientific leaders whose research bridges fundamental optics and applied intelligent systems. With a strong educational background, global research experience, and internationally recognized contributions, he has advanced the fields of underwater optical detection, imaging, and intelligent guidance systems. His impactful body of work, spanning high-impact publications, national-level project leadership, and innovative patents, highlights both academic excellence and societal relevance. Dr. Sun’s dedication to mentoring, professional service, and cross-disciplinary collaborations demonstrates his commitment to building research communities and fostering future talent. As a scholar who merges physics, AI, and marine engineering, he is uniquely positioned to pioneer next-generation imaging technologies that address pressing scientific and environmental challenges. His career reflects not only personal achievement but also a vision for advancing global science, making him highly deserving of recognition and an influential figure in the future of optical engineering and intelligent technologies.