Simulation-Based Semiconductor Materials and Process Design
2025.09.29Source URL: https://www.issuemaker.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=51044
— Cutting-Edge Research Toward Next-Generation Semiconductors
— Anticipated Contributions to National Agendas like Physical AI and Digital Twin
Professor Byungjo Kim, UNIST Graduate School of Semiconductor Materials and Components / Virtual Materials and Processes Design Lab (Photo: Sunghee Lim)
As global competition for semiconductor supremacy intensifies, the technological gap narrows, and precision in every process step becomes decisive. With continued national support for semiconductor development, next-generation process research has emerged as a central focus for many researchers. In this context, a shift from experiment-driven process development to simulation-based approaches is gaining attention. As simulation research flourishes across disciplines, cutting-edge multiscale studies in semiconductor processing are opening new frontiers.
Professor Byungjo Kim of UNIST, who specializes in multiscale computational mechanics rooted in mechanical engineering, brings both theoretical expertise and hands-on experience from his time at Samsung Electronics. His research philosophy is clear: to identify real-world needs and conduct research that delivers practical value.
The Convergence of Semiconductor Processing and Artificial Intelligence
Both next-generation semiconductor processing and AI are among Korea’s 12 strategic technologies. Researching both simultaneously implies a significant potential to contribute to national advancement. Since joining UNIST in January 2024, Professor Kim has launched the Virtual Materials and Processes Design Lab (VDLab), initiating full-scale research into simulation and AI-based semiconductor materials and process design.
During his academic training, he focused on understanding physical phenomena across scales through multiscale computational mechanics. At Samsung, he applied this expertise to semiconductor processes, expanding his research scope. “Multiscale simulation and AI-driven advanced manufacturing are thriving in mechanical engineering. Experiencing semiconductor processes firsthand at Samsung made me realize the urgent need for such research in this field. That was the turning point that led me to focus on semiconductors,” he explains. Recognizing the value of research applicable to industry, he now aims to energize the field through academic research and talent development.
Driving Technological Independence Through Physical AI and Digital Twin
VDLab accelerates the design of various processes and materials in virtual environments. “Our goal is to platformize these technologies for cross-sector application,” says Professor Kim. The lab has recently secured multiple research projects, fueling its momentum. A key focus is the fusion of virtual simulation and physical data to develop Physical AI and Digital Twin technologies.
Selected for Korea’s 2025 national agenda in basic research, Professor Kim’s Physical AI project aims to develop physics-based simulations and AI integration for analyzing and optimizing cryogenic etching technologies in next-gen semiconductor processes. Given the semiconductor industry’s heavy reliance on equipment—especially Korea’s dependence on imported core machinery—this research seeks to preemptively solve technical challenges that are difficult for the private sector to tackle. “This fusion research can help secure long-term technological independence and global competitiveness in semiconductor processes and equipment,” he emphasizes.
His international research network is also noteworthy. Selected for a Korea-Japan joint research initiative by the National Research Foundation of Korea, he will collaborate with Professor Satoshi Hamaguchi of Osaka University, a pioneer in plasma processing, on Digital Twin research integrating virtual and physical AI for next-gen semiconductor processes. This collaboration promises not only research expansion but also valuable exposure for students.
In addition, Professor Kim is actively pursuing joint research in deposition processes, new materials, and theoretical development for introducing advanced materials via ALD/MOCVD. Despite being an early-career researcher, his trajectory is impressive. He attributes his drive to the cutting-edge nature of semiconductor research and his pragmatic research philosophy. His group’s distinguishing feature is its close collaboration with industry—transforming real-world problems into deep academic inquiries and applying the results back to the field.
Professor Kim, who believes in enjoying the research journey despite failures and challenges, hopes to share this mindset and experience with his students.
Future Vision: Building an Integrated Design Platform for Next-Generation Semiconductors
Interest in his semiconductor research group is high among students. Asked about his mentoring philosophy, Professor Kim says, “Many students reach out with interest in simulation and AI-based process design. I’m grateful for their enthusiasm and encourage them to maintain a spirit of continuous challenge.” Though already leading next-gen research, his ambition remains forward-looking. “While my current focus is on materials and processes, I plan to expand into device-level design and development in virtual environments. Just like playing a game, I want to simulate everything—from processes and equipment to materials and devices.”
This is more than a dream. With advances in simulation and AI, the development of intuitive, integrated platforms for complex semiconductor design is becoming increasingly feasible. “I don’t entertain the thought of failure,” says Professor Kim, making his visionary goals all the more likely to become reality.
The research led by Professor Kim at VDLab is expected to contribute significantly to Korea’s strategic technology development and help the country secure global leadership in semiconductors. His philosophy—bridging theory and practice—may well open a new chapter in semiconductor innovation.
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