
Welcome to the Department of Physics and Photon Science
Research Highlights & News
Meet our Scientists


Hoseung Jang
Self-introduction Hello. I am Hoseung Jang, an integrated student in the Computational Condensed Matter Physics Lab (Advisor: Unjong Yu). I am studying statistical physics through numerical calculations using computer simulations. My main research areas are phase transitions and universality class in the percolation model, the Ising model, and their variant models.
Research Area Introduction Percolation theory is one of the classical subjects in statistical physics, which has been extensively explored and applied across a variety of fields such as conduction, polymer gelation, epidemics, and robustness of networks. The Ising model is a simple mathematical model of ferromagnetism in statistical physics and is widely used to study magnetic materials. Among the problems related to these models, many problems cannot be solved analytically. These can be solved by numerical methods using computer simulations.
Future Plans I am about to graduate soon. After graduation, I plan to work as a post-doc researcher in a related field at a university or research institute.
Memorable Graduate School Experience The most memorable moment was when I wrote my first paper. It was my first time doing large-scale calculations, and since it was my first time, I made a lot of calculation mistakes. Also, I made countless revisions to the manuscript because I was not good at writing. It was hard, but everything was a new experience and valuable, so I think it will remain in my memory for a long time. Of course, I can’t forget the joy and sense of accomplishment when I saw my name on the published paper.
Reason for Pursuing Graduate Studies &Advice to Prospective Graduate Students I just decided to go to graduate school because I was interested in and enjoyed research. To those of you who are thinking about going to graduate school, I hope you think carefully about it and make a decision. There will be many things in your research that don’t go as you planned. I hope you don’t get too stressed out about one and each. And rather than immersing yourself in research, I hope you take breaks sometimes.

Hyo Seok Kim
Self-introduction Hello, I am Hyo Seok Kim. I recently completed my Ph.D. in Professor Jong Seok Lee’s group and am currently continuing my research in the same lab as a postdoctoral researcher. My research focuses on condensed matter physics, particularly on phase transitions in materials using ultrafast optical techniques.
Research Area Introduction My research explores phase transitions in materials using optical methods. To this end, I employ ultrafast optical techniques such as time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect (TRMOKE), optical pump terahertz probe (OPTP), and time-resolved second harmonic generation (TRSHG). These methods allow me to investigate the dynamic changes in magnetic, electronic, and structural properties, aiming to deepen the physical understanding of phase transition phenomena.
Future Plans In the future, as a postdoctoral researcher in a different laboratory, I plan to further deepen my research by expanding beyond optical methods to include electrical techniques for material investigation and fabrication. Through this, I aim to broaden my expertise and gain additional insights into material properties and phase transition dynamics.
Memorable Graduate School Experience One of the most memorable experiences during my graduate studies was presenting my research at the American Physical Society (APS) meeting. Due to my limited English skills at that time, I struggled to answer unexpected questions and felt quite embarrassed. However, this experience taught me the importance of thorough preparation and motivated me to improve my english skills. Looking back, it became a turning point that helped me grow into a more confident and professional presenter.
Reason for Pursuing Graduate Studies &Advice to Prospective Graduate Students Since my undergraduate years, I have been deeply interested in solid-state physics and optical experiments, which led me to pursue graduate studies to explore these fields further. To be honest, life as a graduate student can be quite demanding, especially when compared to friends on different career paths. However, if you find excitement in the freedom of research and the process of pioneering new scientific questions, I strongly encourage you to take on the challenge.
Colloquium & Seminar