Research

Research Areas

Photonics

Research Goals and Vision

Light, in the form of photons, possesses unique properties that allow for rapid and accurate information transfer and enable various physical/chemical phenomena (including quantum) through interactions with matter. These properties have positioned light as a transformative technology across diverse areas, giving rise to the scientific discipline of Photonics. Photonics encompasses the study and application of light-based technologies, revolutionizing modern society in numerous ways.

The Photonics research at KAIST School of Electrical Engineering explores the diverse characteristics of light and develops innovative solutions in computing, information and communications, sensing, and imaging. The research covers nanophotonics, integrated photonics (silicon photonics), quantum photonics, and photonic systems, pursuing the integrative development of fundamental science and applied technology. We aim to lead innovations in photonics technology and contribute to the advancement of human society.

Key Research Areas

Photonic Systems

  • Photonic Systems : Integrated system-level research dealing with the generation, control, transmission, and detection of light for applications in optical transmission, wireless optical communication, optical sensing, LiDAR, and optical computing.

Nanophotonics

  • Nanophotonics : Studies the interaction between light and nano-scale structures, utilizing concepts such as plasmonics, metamaterials/metasurfaces, and topological photonics for applications in energy conversion, imaging, displays, computing, and quantum sensors.

Integrated Photonics / Silicon Photonics

  • Integrated Photonics / Silicon Photonics : Implements complex optical systems on small semiconductor chips known as Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). PICs are a great platform to explore fundamentals of light-matter interactions and to implement large-scale photon-based circuits with low-cost solutions, with potential applications in optical transceivers, neuromorphic AI accelerators, optical sensing, and quantum applications.

Optoelectronic (Photonic) Devices

  • Optoelectronic (Photonic) Devices : Utilizes the interaction between light and electrons in devices such as laser diodes, photodetectors, modulators, and displays, with a focus on high-efficiency, high-speed, and low-power devices for next-generation information and communication, sensing, and display technologies.

Recent related activities in Photonics

See below for specifc ongoing research topics related to Photonics of KAIST EE.