Dr. Lu has led the research group that pioneered laser removal of nanoparticles from solid surfaces (commonly known as laser cleaning) and nanoscale patterning by optical resonance in microparticles. He was among the first researchers to theoretically propose a model to explain the behaviors of nanoparticles on a solid surface under laser irradiation and to experimentally obtain subwavelength nanostructures using laser-induced optical resonance in nanospheres. His work encompasses a few important topics including laser writing of subwavelength structures, applications of laser removal of nanoparticles, behaviors of nanoparticles under laser irradiation, theoretical modeling, influence of laser wavelength, and particle removal with assistance of thin liquid films. He has also closely worked with industries and developed a few commercial products for laser etching, laser cleaning, laser cutting and laser surface texturing.