Research

from NANO to SYSTEMS

We connect nanoscale electromagnetic interactions with scalable fabrication and functional devices. Our research spans the physics of light and matter, semiconductor processing and integration, and applications in information, sensing, and energy.

1. Nanoscale Electromagnetics & Photonics

Understanding and controlling light through nanoscale materials and structures

Antennas, resonators, and wave interference are central to both radio-frequency engineering and photonics. We extend these familiar electromagnetic concepts to the nanoscale, where material properties and geometry govern how light is confined, scattered, and absorbed. Connecting electrical engineering with optical physics and materials science, this research provides foundations for optical components, sensors, and photonic devices.

1.1. Nanoantennas & Optical Resonances

We investigate metallic and dielectric nanostructures that support nanophotonic resonances, including plasmonic and Mie resonances. By engineering geometry and composition, we control electric and magnetic responses, polarization selectivity, and directional scattering. Three-dimensional chiral architectures further enable selective interactions with circularly polarized light.

Selected Publications

Microsystems & Nanoengineering 12, 308 (28 Aug 2026) [IF 11.1 / JCR 1.2% in Instruments & Instrumentation]
Laser & Photonics Reviews 15, 2100235 (10 Nov. 2021) [IF 9.8 / JCR 6.7% in Optics]
Physical Review X 9, 011024 (6 Feb. 2019) [IF 11.6 / JCR 5.5% in Physics, Multidisciplinary]
Nano Letters 16, 4887 (1 Jul. 2016) [IF 9.6 / JCR 10% in Physics Applied]

1.2. Nanocavities & Coupled Resonances

We study thin-film resonators and nanoparticle-on-mirror cavities that manipulate light through interference and nanoscale field confinement. Our research examines how cavity geometry, electromagnetic coupling, and material properties determine spectral responses and local fields. Integrating active media enables dynamic control of these resonances.

Selected Publications

Materials Horizons 12, 9114-9124 (7 Nov 2025) [IF 10.7 / JCR 11.3% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]
ACS Nano 16 (12), 21120-8 (5 Dec. 2022) [IF 15.8 / JCR 6% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]
ACS Nano 13, 11453 (22 Oct. 2019) [IF 15.8 / JCR 6% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]

1.3. Disorder & Collective Optical Responses

We investigate how spatial arrangement and interparticle coupling shape the optical responses of nanostructured ensembles. By examining structural correlations, scattering, and optical interference, we connect individual resonances with collective behavior and explore disorder as a design parameter for functional optical materials.

Selected Publications

Advanced Science e77859 (2026) [IF 14.1 / JCR 9.7% in Materials Science, Multidisciplinary]

2. Nanofabrication & Semiconductor Integration

Engineering materials, structures, and interfaces across scales

Thin-film deposition, surface charge, and interface control connect semiconductor processing with nanoscale fabrication. We develop growth and assembly methods that translate material building blocks into functional surfaces and three-dimensional architectures. Combining semiconductor engineering, materials science, and electrochemistry, this research supports scalable coatings, device fabrication, and advanced packaging.

2.1. 3D Nanostructure Growth & Material Engineering

We use glancing angle deposition (GLAD) and co-deposition to engineer three-dimensional nanostructures, porous films, and hybrid nanocomposites. Control over deposition geometry, substrate motion, and material flux enables tailored morphology and composition. We investigate how these growth parameters determine optical, thermal, and interfacial properties.

Selected Publications

Advanced Functional Materials 34 (28), 2314434 (10 Jul 2024) [IF 18.5 / JCR 4.3% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]
Advanced Materials 35, 2107917 (24 Aug. 2023) [IF 27.4 / JCR 2% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]
Science Advances 4, eaat4388 (1 Nov. 2018) [IF 11.7 / JCR 8.2% in Multidisciplinary Science]
Advanced Science 4, 1700234 (1 Dec. 2017) [IF 14.3 / JCR 6.6% in Material Science, Multidisciplinary]
Advanced Materials 29, 1701024 (12 Jun. 2017) [IF 27.4 / JCR 2% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]
Science Advances 1, e1500501 (1 Dec. 2015) [IF 11.7 / JCR 8.2% in Multidisciplinary Science]
Advanced Science 2, 1500016 (1 Jul. 2015) [IF 14.3 / JCR 6.6% in Material Science, Multidisciplinary]

2.2. Scalable Nanoparticle Assembly

We develop proton-assisted electrostatic assembly for rapid, large-area integration of colloidal nanoparticles. By controlling surface charge and particle–substrate interactions, we tune attachment and surface coverage across different materials. This approach connects colloidal nanomaterials with wafer-scale metasurfaces and functional interfaces.

Selected Publications

Advanced Materials 36 (16), 2313299 (18 Apr 2024) ) [IF 27.4 / JCR 2% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]

2.3. Advanced Packaging & 3D Integration

We extend nanoscale deposition, assembly, and interface engineering to glass-based semiconductor packaging, including through-glass vias (TGVs) & 3D glass redistribution layer (RDL). Our research addresses surface functionalization and material integration within three-dimensional structures, with attention to compatibility with subsequent processing.

Industry Support

Industry fundings from Corning (2025) & Hyundai Motors (2023, 2025)

3. Functional Devices & Intelligent Systems

Translating nanoscale physics into useful device functions

Concepts from semiconductor devices, circuits, and signal processing connect naturally with electrically controlled optical materials and photonic readout. We combine these approaches to develop devices that modulate light, process information, sense their surroundings, and regulate heat. This research links device physics with computing, bioengineering, and thermal science, supporting applications in displays, hardware security, healthcare, and energy technologies.

3.1. Electrochromic Displays & Devices

We integrate plasmonic and thin-film resonators with active materials to dynamically tune color, transmission, and absorption. Our research connects material modulation with optical resonance design for reflective displays, tunable filters, and adaptive optical surfaces.

Selected Publications

Light: Science & Applications 15, 134 (28 Feb 2026) [IF 24 / JCR 3.9% in Optics]
ACS Nano 19 (40), 35992-36001 (14 Oct 2025) [IF 16 / JCR 6% in Materials Science, Multidisciplinary]
Microsystems & Nanoengineering 10, 22 (1 Feb 2024) [IF 7.3 / JCR 3.9% in Instruments & Instrumentation]
Advanced Science 8, 2002419 (20 Jan. 2021) [IF 14.3 / JCR 6.6% in Material Science, Multidisciplinary]
Science Advances 5, eaaw2205 (10 May 2019) [IF 11.7 / JCR 8.2% in Multidisciplinary Science]

3.2. Photonic Computing & Security

We explore how nonlinear, tunable, and stochastic optical responses can support computing and information encoding. In parallel, we develop physically unclonable functions (PUFs) that convert nanoscale structural variations into unique optical fingerprints. These directions connect nanophotonic materials with information processing and physical authentication.

Selected Publications

Nature Communications 16, 6269 (8 Jul 2025) [IF 15.7 / JCR 7.4% in Multidisciplinary Science]
Advanced Materials 36 (15), 2310556 (11 Apr 2024) [IF 27.4 / JCR 2% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]

3.3. Optical Sensing & Imaging

We develop optical platforms that translate changes in molecular environments and temperature into measurable spectral and spatial signals. Plasmonic structures and thin-film resonators enable label-free sensing and visualization, with applications in biological analysis, health monitoring, and thermal safety.

Selected Publications

Small 22 (41), e73944 (22 Jul 2026) [IF 11.8 / JCR 8.4% in Physics, Applied]
Chemical Engineering Journal 511, 161872 (27 Mar 2025) [IF 13.2 / JCR 3.6% in Engineering, Environmental]
Advanced Materials 34 (21), 2110003 (26 May 2022) [IF 27.4 / JCR 2% in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary]
Small 14, 1702990 (15 Feb. 2018) [IF 13 / JCR 7.2% in Physics, Applied]
Nature Communications 7, 11331 (19 Apr. 2016) [IF 14.7 / JCR 6% in Multidisciplinary Science]

3.4. Smart Thermal Management

We engineer nanocomposites and structured coatings to selectively absorb, transmit, and emit light across different wavelength ranges. Our research includes transparent photothermal surfaces, antifogging coatings, and radiative cooling materials, connecting spectral control with thermal management for windows, optical sensors, and energy systems.

Selected Publications

Nature Communications 17, 8043 (27 Jun 2026) [IF 18.1 / JCR 5.7% in Multidisciplinary Science]
Advanced Materials 37 (40), 2511261 (9 Oct 2025) [IF 26.8 / JCR 2% in Materials Science, Multidisciplinary]
EcoMat 7 (8), e70023 (7 Aug 2025) [IF 12.6 / JCR 6.8% in Green & Sustainable Science & Technology]

Current projects

(ADD project 26-27) Adaptive camouflage devices (in collaboration with EECS @ GIST)
(NRF project 26-27) Adaptive cooling devices (in collaboration with KAIST, HYU, SKKU)
(NRF project 24-27) Janus plasmonic metasurface (in collaboration with UCL)
(GIST project 26) Colored cooling devices
(GIST project 26-30) Global Value-up 10x project (in collaboration with APRI, AI @ GIST, FOEL, MIT, MPI, UCL, Twente)
(GIST project 26-27) GIST-CNUH collaboration project (in collaboration with CNUH)
Fellowship and Training grants

- (InnoCORE project 26-30) MOSAIC InnoCORE postdoc fellowship project (in collaboration with EECS @ GIST, KIST, ETRI)
- (InnoCORE project 25-27) AI-ACE InnoCORE postdoc fellowship project (in collaboration with GIST, KAIST, UNIST, DGIST, KIST)
- (NRF project) Quantum Cluster Project
- (NRF project 26-30) Advanced Semiconductor Engineer Training
- (NRF project 24-27) Semiconductor Advanced Packaging Specialist Training (in collaboration with Chosun Uni, SE @ GIST, Inha Uni, JNU)
- (NRF project 26-30) Sejong fellowship (our postdoc Doeun)
- (NRF project 25-27) National PhD fellowship (our MS/PhD student Hyun Min)
- (NRF project 25-27) National PhD fellowship (our MS/PhD student Gyurin)
- (NRF project 25-26) National MS fellowship (our MS student Eunji)

Our Collaborators

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse