Professor Jungsuek Oh of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University has been selected for the Technology category of the 2025 Samsung Future Technology Development Program. In recent years, Prof. Oh has led research that integrates AI with radio technology to address major industrial challenges. The excellence of his research group has been widely recognized through distinctions such as the Samsung Electronics DX Division Head IT Innovation Award. The Samsung Future Technology Development Program is a nonprofit research funding initiative launched by Samsung Electronics in 2013, with a total endowment of 1.5 trillion KRW. The program aims to advance fundamental science, drive innovation in industrial technologies, address pressing societal challenges through science and technology, and cultivate world-class scientific talent in Korea. It supports creative frontier research in fundamental science, the foundation of scientific and technological progress; materials science, which underpins manufacturing; and ICT and convergence technologies, which enable industrial advancement and the creation of new markets. Prof. Oh will conduct a four-year research and development project titled “Implementation and Performance Verification of an Ultra-Dense 6G MIMO Antenna-DPD Integrated System Based on Probabilistic Inverse-Design AI Models.” Project Overview: For next-generation 6G communications, the Upper-Mid Band (7-24 GHz) spectrum is drawing increasing attention. However, this band faces key limitations: lower data rates compared to mmWave 5G and degraded coverage relative to existing Sub-6GHz systems. To address these challenges, active research is underway on ultra-dense MIMO systems, which maximize communication capacity and coverage by packing a greater number of antennas within a given aperture. Yet, in such extremely dense array environments, antennas are positioned so closely that coupling increases sharply, and the limited physical area forces components for isolation, matching and Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC) control to be placed in very close proximity. This results in strong interdependence among design variables and lengthy design cycles, since performance improvements rely heavily on structural modifications. To overcome these limitations, the proposed research seeks to develop a probabilistic inverse-design model based on generative AI techniques, such as diffusion models, that can effectively model the vast design space and complex nonlinear relationships inherent to ultra-dense MIMO arrays. Nonetheless, severe coupling and limited area impose unavoidable practical performance limitations, making it difficult to achieve high levels of isolation and matching conditions. These constraints introduce uncertainty in securing optimal performance for MIMO systems integrated with Digital Predistortion (DPD). Moreover, conventional DPD methods—that inadequately account for dynamic operation conditions—struggle to provide optimized performance when applied to ultra-dense antenna arrays. As such, this project aims to establish an AI-driven antenna-DPD design framework to address the practical performance limitations encountered in extreme ultra-dense MIMO environments. Through this framework, the research seeks to develop cost-efficient, high-data-rate MIMO communication systems based on ultra-dense antenna architectures and to explore novel structural design possibilities that conventional approaches have been unable to reach. Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=57047 Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr...

Hansol Seo, a Ph.D. candidate under the supervision of Professor Jeonghun Kwak in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University, received the Silver Prize at the 2025 Samsung Display Industry-Academia Collaboration Technical Paper Competition. Since its launch in 2018, the competition has aimed to promote the dissemination of research achievements in the field of display technology and to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia. In this year’s edition, a total of 182 papers were submitted, from which one Grand Prize, five Gold Prizes, six Silver Prizes, and six Bronze Prizes were awarded. Seo’s research focuses on the surface stabilization and high-resolution patter ning of quantum dots, utilizing a mechanism in which ligand attachment and crosslinking occur through ultraviolet exposure at specific wavelengths. Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=57016 Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr...

A research team from Professor Seong-Cheol Kim’s laboratory in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University—consisting of Jihye Kim, Soram Kim, and Sechan Oh—won the President’s Award from the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) at “ICT Challenge 2025,” organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and IITP. ICT Challenge 2025 is a competition in which teams of three master’s or doctoral students participating in one of the following government-supported programs—▲Information Technology Research Center Program, ▲ICT Creative Consilience Program, and ▲Innovative Human Resource Development for Local Intellectualization Program—present and demonstrate practical and creative research ideas in their respective fields of study. Now in its 7th year since its launch in 2019, the competition attracted a record 206 teams (618 participants) from 81 research centers across 38 universities nationwide. Under the theme “Imaginations of Future Talent Become Reality”, participants showcased innovative ideas in various fields, including ▲Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Software (SW), ▲Smart Devices (including AI semiconductors), ▲Digital Convergence, and ▲Cybersecurity. Following preliminary rounds, mentoring sessions with employees from sponsoring companies (Amazon Korea and Kakao), and a final evaluation stage, 16 teams were ultimately selected as award recipients. Prof. Seong-Cheol Kim’s research team won the IITP President’s Award for their project titled “Real-Time Three-Dimensional Mapping and Aerial Monitoring System through UAM Collaboration,” and received a cash price of 5 million KRW. Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=57001 Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr...

▲ Professor Jae-Hyeung Park (corresponding author), Ph.D. candidate Woongseob Han (first author), and integrated M.S.–Ph.D. candidate Chanseul Lee (co-author), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University The College of Engineering at Seoul National University announced that a research team led by Professor Jae-Hyeung Park from the ECE Department has developed an occlusion-based holographic augmented reality (AR) display that significantly enhances visual realism in AR environments. By integrating a holographic display with an optical occlusion system, the team achieved a new level of visual fidelity in AR. Furthermore, they implemented opaque three-dimensional virtual imagery and optically generated virtual shadows, reproducing visual effects in which virtual objects interact with real-world environments. Recognizing that visual information in AR environments is typically concentrated around virtual objects rather than distributed across the entire space, the research team also introduced an AI-based hologram generation algorithm optimized for sparse holographic images*. * sparse holographic image: a hologram in which visual data exists only in limited regions of the entire image space On October 7, the findings were published as an Inside Front Cover Article in Laser & Photonics Reviews (IF: 10.0), an internationally renowned journal in the field of optics published by Wiley-VCH based in Germany. ▲ Laser & Photonics Reviews Inside Front Cover ■ Research Background As AR glasses emerge as next-generation smart devices following smartphones, leading global technology companies have been actively investing in their development. Despite rapid progress, however, currently commercialized or publicly unveiled AR glasses remain limited in that they are unable to implement occlusion effects, where virtual images obscure real-world objects. The absence of occlusion—a key visual cue for human depth perception—causes virtual images to appear semi-transparent and unrealistically superimposed on the physical environment. Consequently, the realism of the AR environment and the user’s sense of immersion are significantly diminished. Moreover, existing AR glasses reproduce three-dimensional images solely through binocular disparity while keeping monocular depth cues fixed, resulting in a vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC). The visual fatigue and dizziness experienced by users due to VAC have long been identified as major obstacles to the widespread adoption of near-eye displays, including AR glasses. Previous studies addressing this issue have explored approaches such as adding an occlusion optics module in front of the display to selectively block real-world light and render opaque virtual images, or employing techniques such as holography, light-field displays, and variable-focus technologies to reproduce monocular three-dimensional images. However, efforts to achieve both occlusion effects and three-dimensional imaging simultaneously have largely remained at a preliminary stage, underscoring the need for more in-depth research to enhance the visual realism of AR environments. ■ Research Achievements To address this challenge, Prof. Jae-Hyeung Park’s research team developed a holographic AR display that realizes an AR environment with unprecedented visual realism by combining a holographic AR system—capable of reproducing ideal three-dimensional images—with an optical occlusion system that blocks the real-world background. The research team first noted that the structure of the optical occlusion system is identical to that of a 4f system-based Fourier filter structure*, which is commonly used in holographic displays to eliminate noise information. Accordingly, the team utilized a single Digital Micromirror Device (DMD)* placed within a single 4f system to function as both a Fourier filter and an occlusion mask. By employing a time-multiplexing technique, they enabled both occlusion and noise elimination to be performed within a unified system. * Fourier filter structure : optical configuration that analyzes complex images into their frequency components, allowing selective removal or correction of noise * DMD : reflective optical element composed of numerous microscopic mirrors, used to rapidly control the brightness and pattern of holographic display images Taking a step further, the research team incorporated the dynamic characteristics of the DMD—unlike conventional fixed Fourier filters—into the AI-based hologram generation algorithm. This approach significantly reduced the search space of the optimizer, achieving an average improvement of 11 decibels (dB) in the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR)* of sparse holographic images compared to conventional algorithms under identical conditions. In addition, by applying a time-multiplexing technique, the team suppressed Speckle noise*—a major factor degrading holographic image quality—and doubled the field of view. * PSNR : a measure of the ratio between the original and reconstructed image signals, used to evaluate image or image reconstruction quality. A higher PSNR value indicates superior image quality. * Speckle noise : a granular interference pattern that appears as fine dotted noise in images The research team also built a benchtop prototype* based on the proposed system, successfully reproducing opaque three-dimensional AR images in which virtual objects occlude the real-world background. Further, the team reproduced AR scenes in which virtual objects cast realistic shadows onto the real world by leveraging the occlusion effect. Experimental results showed a significant increase in contrast and image sharpness compared to conventional AR displays without occlusion, marking the world’s first realization of high-contrast, high-fidelity three-dimensional AR scenes free from background interference. * benchtop prototype : a small-scale experimental device built prior to commercialization to verify a system’s performance and operating principles ▲ Experimental results showing a holographic 3D image that occludes the real background and casts a shadow ■ Expected Impact This research is significant in that it realized a true form of AR in which virtual images optically interact with the real environment. The proposed technology enables virtual objects to selectively block real-world light and cast shadows, establishing itself as a next-generation display technology capable of delivering an AR experience that feels natural to human visual perception. Additionally, this achievement marks a departure from conventional hologram optimization methods that have primarily relied on software-based methods. By directly integrating a dynamically operating Fourier filter into the algorithmic framework, the research introduced a new paradigm in which physical hardware enhances algorithmic performance. Highlighting the potential of hardware-algorithm co-design, this technology is expected to find applications in next-generation immersive display systems. ■ Researchers' Remarks Prof. Jae-Hyeung Park, who supervised the research, stated, “This study demonstrates the potential for a new form of AR in which virtual images interact with light of the real environment,” adding, “We will continue to develop next-generation display technologies that provide more natural and immersive visual experiences through the convergence of optics and artificial intelligence.” ■ Researcher Career Path First author Woongseob Han is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in the ECE Department at SNU, where he continues his research on near-eye displays for AR/VR and next-generation three-dimensional display technologies. After graduation, he plans to work as an optical design engineer in the field of next-generation immersive displays at research institutes or companies in Korea and abroad. [Reference] - Paper Title/Journal : “Enhancing Realism in Holographic Augmented Reality Displays Through Occlusion Handling”, Laser & Photonics Reviews - DOI : https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202501052 [Contact] Prof. Jae-Hyeung Park, Three-Dimensional Optical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University / 02-880-1825 / jaehyeung@snu.ac.kr Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=57000 Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr...

Authors: Professor Jong-Ho Lee, Professor Jae-Joon Kim, Ph.D. candidate Kyung Min Lee, Ph.D. candidate Hunhee Shin, Postdoctoral researcher Ryun-Han Koo, and Dr. Jinwoo Park, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering A research team led by Professor Jong-Ho Lee from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University has achieved the remarkable feat of having three papers accepted at IEEE IEDM (International Electron Devices Meeting) 2025, the world’s most prestigious conference in the field of semiconductors. The team proposed a new direction for next-generation AI and low-power semiconductor technologies, demonstrating comprehensive research capabilities that span materials, devices, and systems. The first paper presents the development of an HfZrO₂ ferroelectric capacitor (FeCAP) that simultaneously achieves world-leading remanent polarization and low-voltage operation by introducing an HfO₂–TiO₂–HfO₂ triple interlayer structure. The device enables a non-destructive read memory window at 0 V, opening new possibilities for ultra-low-power and neuromorphic hardware applications. The second paper introduces a breakdown-based physically unclonable function (MBD-PUF) utilizing commercial magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices, which achieves both bit error-free stable security responses and complete concealment of the original key. The proposed MBD-PUF operates reliably even at high temperatures up to 125 °C and demonstrates strong resistance against machine learning-based modeling attacks, proving its potential as a practical next-generation hardware security solution. This research was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Jae-Joon Kim’s research team from the ECE Department. The third paper reports the world’s first implementation of a real-time mixed-gas discrimination system that integrates a self-cancellation circuit with gas sensors on a single chip. By combining two FET-type gas sensors with a subtraction circuit, the system internally cancels the effects of interfering gases, enabling real-time, selective detection of target gases without external signal processing. The research team demonstrated the technology on ultra-compact, ultra-low-power hardware by detecting H2S gas emitted during egg spoilage, achieving real-time freshness monitoring. Prof. Jong-Ho Lee stated, “An integrated research approach combining device physics, circuits, and systems was key to achieving these results,” adding, “This outcome demonstrates that the research team at Seoul National University’s College of Engineering is leading the development of core technologies for next-generation intelligent semiconductors.” Figure 1. Overview of High-Performance FeCAP. Paper Title: HZO FeCap with Ultra-High 2Pr = 133 μC/cm2, PZT-Level Ec (1.17MV/cm @ 6 nm), and CMWε = 9.6 @ 0 V by Adopting HfO2-TiO2-HfO2 Pseudomorphic Interlayer Figure 2. Overview of MTJ-based MBD-PUF. Paper Title: Concealable and Bit Error-Free Breakdown-Based Physical Unclonable Functions Using Magnetic Tunnel Junctions Figure 3: Overview of Mixed Gas Discrimination System. Paper Title: Innovative Mixed Gas Discrimination System Using Integrated Self-Cancellation Circuit Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=56986 Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr...

Three research teams from the Integrated Circuits and Systems Laboratory (ICSL) led by Professor Jaehyuck Choi received top honors at the 26th Korea Semiconductor Design Challenge. The team composed of researchers Jeongbeom Seo, Yuhwan Shin, Junseok Lee and Joohan Lee won the Presidential Award, while the teams of Munjae Chae, Seheon Jang, Seungjae Lee and Sarang Lee, and Jaeho Kim, Myeongho Han, Hyunjun Song and Seohyeon Kwak each received Corporate Special Awards sponsored by MathWorks Korea and SK hynix, respectively. Presidential Award: Ultra-low-power quadrature clock generation and distribution technology with jitter filtering and instantaneous toggling functionality for next-generation High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) semiconductor applications Corporate Special Award (MathWorks Korea): A 65fsrms-Jitter and-272dB-FoMjitter,N, Fractional-N Digital PLL with a Quantization–Error-Compensating BBPD and an Orthogonal-Polynomial LMS Calibration Corporate Special Award (SK hynix): High-speed, command-aware hybrid voltage regulator with minimized voltage drop for next-generation HBM semiconductor applications Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=56976 Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr...

Professor Jongmo Seo has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE) in Budapest, Hungary. From October 6 to 17, 2025, Prof. Seo visited Hungary to conduct joint research with the Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics (ITK) at PPKE as part of the Korea-Hungary Joint Research Program supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). During his visit, he also delivered special lectures on AR/VR technologies and artificial retinal systems designed to overcome visual impairments. In addition, he finalized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Seoul National University’s College of Engineering and PPKE’s ITK to bolster academic collaboration. The honorary doctorate was conferred on October 15 during the 390th anniversary ceremony of PPKE, which was founded in 1635. Following the conferment, Prof. Seo delivered a commemorative lecture titled “Unveiling Hidden Realms: The Power of Science and Engineering in Medicine.” During the ceremony, Dean György Cserey of ITK at PPKE remarked that “the conferment recognizes Prof. Seo’s outstanding research achievements in the fields of artificial vision and neural engineering, as well as his significant contributions to human welfare through the integration of medicine and engineering.” Founded in 1635 by Catholic bishop Péter Pázmány, PPKE is one of Hungary’s leading higher education institutions, offering education and research across a wide range of disciplines including theology, law, information technology and biotechnology. In particular, PPKE’s ITK is recognized as a pioneer in interdisciplinary research that bridges life sciences and engineering. The faculty also shares academic roots with Semmelweis University, Hungary’s top medical university, and Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). Prof. Seo expressed his hopes that “the collaboration between SNU and PPKE will further expand into international joint research in the fields of medical informatics and bioelectronic engineering,” adding that “this honorary doctorate will serve as an opportunity to foster deeper academic exchange between Korea and Hungary.” Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=56971 Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr...

The research team of Dam Yun and Sunghyuk Choi from the Electric Energy Conversion Lab (Advisor: Professor Jung-Ik Ha) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University has received the Best Poster Award at the ‘IEEE/PSMA PwrSoC 2025 – 9th International Workshop on Power Supply on Chip’. The research team presented a poster titled “Flying Capacitor Multi-Level Converter at Constant Resonant Frequency with Negative-Voltage-Blocking GaN Switch”, which focuses on low-voltage, high-current intermediate bus converter (IBC) technology for 48V power systems used in AI data centers. By applying a resonant flying capacitor multilevel (RFCML) converter that utilizes high-energy density capacitors, the team proposed a new approach that efficiently converts 48V to 12V while reducing peak inductor current, thereby achieving higher power density and efficiency compared to conventional methods Held biennially, IEEE/PSMA PwrSoC is the world’s leading international workshop in the field of integrated power conversion and power management technologies, serving as a forum where global experts from academia and industry gather to discuss the latest technological advancements. Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=56938 Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr...