[Acknowledgment for research excellence in driving the future of science and technology, especially nanotechnology industry]

Professor Junsuk Rho from the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Professor Jihwan An from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), have recently been acknowledged for their contributions to the Top 10 Nanotechnologies of 2023.

Nanotechnology, involving the manipulation and control of matter at the nanoscale (one billionth of a meter), is crucial in various industries such as electronics, semiconductors, and optics. To put it into perspective, a nanometer is approximately one hundred thousandth the thickness of a human hair.

Professor Junsuk Rho has developed a vision technology that uses nanopatterns and light to recognize the distance of objects located 180 degrees in front of it. This next-generation computer vision technology employs nanometer-scale finely patterned metasurfaces¹⁾ and light to accurately determine distances. Recently, Professor Rho published a comprehensive review paper in an international journal, outlining the research trends in future miniaturized optical technology platforms based on metasurfaces. The paper also suggests potential directions for future research and methods for commercialization.

In a parallel recognition, Professor Jihwan An has been acknowledged for his development of next generation atomic layer processes with ultraviolet light and plasma · equipment and two-dimensional nanodevice fabrication technology. This technology uses ultraviolet light and plasma²⁾ to deposit extremely thin and uniform atomic layer films without causing damage to two-dimensional materials. Professor An has also published research leveraging this process to enhance the efficiency of solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOECs) by incorporating very small amounts of ruthenium (Ru).

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Nanotechnology Research Society have chosen 10 exceptional nanotechnology projects as part of this year’s national research and development program. The objective is to enhance awareness and emphasize the significance of nanotechnology, aiming to foster enduring interest in this field.

1. Metasurface
Metamaterials are artificial nanostructures that defy the conventional properties of light. Metasurfaces specifically refer to newly designed two-dimensional planar structures featuring patterns smaller than the wavelength of light.

2. Plasma
A gas heated to an extremely high temperature and separated into electrons and positively charged ions.