A ceremony to mark the official opening of Quantum Photonics Institute (QPI) was held at UNIST on October 29, 2020. Starting on this day, the institute will be holding a workshop to explore the latest advances in quantum technologies and their impact on research and commercial development. This workshop, dubbed the Quantum Photonics Workshop 2020 will take place at UNIST until October 31, 2020.
The new institute aims to further study the quantum interaction between light and matter, and based on this, to design emerging quantum devices for real-world applications. The devices to be developed in the future include light detection and ranging (LIDAR), high-sensitivity optical sensors, bioimaging and detection techniques, and high-density memory devices. These devices are expected to be highly utilized in the core technology fields, driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
The center will be led by Distinguished Professor Daisik Kim in the Department of Physics at UNIST. Professor Kim has been carrying out research in nano optics since he moved from Seoul National University in 2019. Researchers in various fields, such as physics, chemistry, life, electrical and electronic materials, and new materials participate in the research center to conduct interdisciplinary convergence research. 18 faculty members from UNIST are participating in the convergence of specialized fields.
Distinguished Professor Daisik Kim (Department of Physics, UNIST), giving a brief overview of the Quantum Photonics Institute.
“Despite the great advancement of Korean science and technology, there is still a long way to go,” says Director Kim. “The new center will serve as a foundation for building a research brand that represents Korea beyond UNIST.”
The ceremony has been attended by UNIST President Yonghoon Lee, President Do Young Noh of Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Director Do-Kyeog Ko (Natural Sciences Division, National Research Foundation of Korea), and distinguished scholars from universities across the nation. The event consisted of a congratulatory remark by UNIST President Yonghoon Lee, a brief introduction of the new center by Distinguished Professor Daisik Kim, the research status and the vision of IBS, as well as the ‘2021 Implementation Plan for Basic Research’ by the Korea Research Foundation (NRF).
UNIST President Yonghoon Lee delivered congratulatory remarks at the opening of Quantum Photonics Institute (QPI), took place on October 30, 2020.
“The opening of Quantum Photonics Institute (QPI) is significant amid the growing interest in the development of new technologies that have the potential to lead the 4IR,” says President Yonghoon Lee. “It is my hope that the center will conduct innovative research that contributes to human life through research that goes beyond the existing framework.”
The workshop, which was held concurrently with the opening ceremony of the Quantum Photonics Institute (QPI) brings together experts in the areas of quantum materials, ultrahigh-speed optical science, nanophotonics, next-generation materials/devices, and biophotonics. Amid COVID-19, the workshop will be conducted both online and offline to prevent infectious diseases.
