Research

Research Areas

Semiconductor Devices & Nanotechnology

Semiconductor Devices & Nanotechnology

Research Goals and Vision

The semiconductor devices and nanotechnology research at the KAIST School of Electrical Engineering aims to develop advanced semiconductor device technologies and nanoscale devices, which are key to next-generation electronic systems. This research covers major areas in future electronics, such as logic, memory, sensors, AI semiconductors, power semiconductors, and RF/mmWave devices. These innovative results are actively applied in various industries, including semiconductors, AI hardware, ultra-high-speed communications, and IoT sensors.

Key Research Areas

Logic & Memory Semiconductors

  • High-Performance Logic Circuits : Design and implement high-performance, low-power logic circuits using advanced nanoscale semiconductor technologies.
  • Reliability Enhancement : Improve the reliability and performance of logic circuits through new materials and structures.
  • Non-Volatile Memory : Develop next-generation non-volatile memory technologies to maximize the efficiency and stability of data storage.
  • High-Bandwidth, Ultra-Fast Memory : Research next-generation high-speed memory devices and architectures like HBM that support fast data transmission for the AI era.

‘Beyond CMOS’ Technology and Devices based on Emerging Materials

  • Neuromorphic Chips : Research on designing neuromorphic chips that mimic the structure of the human brain, surpassing the Von Neumann architecture to reduce energy consumption in AI and machine learning.
  • PIM (Processing In Memory) : Develop new computing systems that integrate memory and processors, reducing data bottlenecks and improving computational efficiency.
  • Devices Based on Emerging Materials : Overcome the limitations of conventional semiconductor technologies by utilizing new materials such as 2D materials, ferroelectrics, perovskites, and organic semiconductors.

Smart Sensor and Energy

  • Nanoscale Sensor Technology : Developing high-sensitivity nanoscale sensors capable of accurately detecting various physical and chemical elements.
  • Sensor Applications Technology : Researching application technologies utilizing sensors in various fields, such as bio-medical, environmental monitoring, and industrial sensors.
  • Energy Conversion Devices : Focus on energy conversion technologies such as solar cells, thermoelectric devices, and energy harvesting devices to efficiently utilize energy.

Power Device and Interconnects

  • High-Efficiency Power Devices : Developing high-efficiency power devices to maximize power conversion efficiency.
  • High-Voltage/High-Power Devices : Researching power semiconductor devices for high-voltage and high-power applications, such as automotive semiconductors.

RF/mmWave Devices

  • High-Frequency Devices : Developing high-performance devices operating in RF and mmWave bands to enhance wireless communication performance.
  • Communication and Radar Applications : Researching RF/mmWave devices for next-generation communication systems and radar applications.

Recent related activities in Semiconductor Devices & Nanotechnology

See below for specifc ongoing research topics related to Semiconductor Devices & Nanotechnology of KAIST EE.