Dr. Kyuwook Ihm | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Principal scientist at Pohang accelerator laboratory, South Korea 

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm is a prominent beamline scientist at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL), where he leads the 4D Photoemission Spectroscopy (PES) beamline. His expertise lies in experimental condensed matter physics, with a specialized focus on low-dimensional materials, topological matter, and strongly correlated systems. Throughout his career, Dr. Ihm has consistently pushed the frontiers of soft X-ray spectroscopy and surface science through extensive work with PES, NEXAFS, XES, RIXS, and PEEM. He plays a vital role in the development of optical systems for soft X-ray beamlines and has also contributed significantly to beamline-related software engineering. Beyond his research at PAL, Dr. Ihm serves as an adjunct professor in the Physics Department at the University of Ulsan, further emphasizing his dedication to education and mentorship. He has actively contributed to various scientific communities through leadership roles, such as vice-president of the Korean Vacuum Society’s Surface and Interface Division and representative of the IUVSTA’s Surface Engineering Division. With his academic, technical, and organizational contributions, Dr. Ihm stands out as a multidisciplinary scientist whose research has been extensively published in top-tier journals. His efforts continue to enhance understanding in materials science and experimental physics on both national and international stages.

Professional Profiles

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm received his Ph.D. in Physics from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in 2009, specializing in experimental condensed matter physics. His doctoral research, conducted under the mentorship of Professor Sukmin Chung, focused on the adsorption characteristics and thermodynamic behaviors of molecules with sp² hybrid orbitals on inorganic surfaces. This work laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to surface physics and spectroscopy. Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Ihm completed both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physics at Sung Kyun Kwan University in 2000, where he cultivated his early interest in surface science and material interactions. His academic journey reflects a deep and sustained engagement with complex physical systems and materials behavior at the atomic and molecular scale. These formative years equipped Dr. Ihm with the theoretical insight and experimental rigor needed to pursue a successful career in both academic and applied research. His educational background has not only shaped his research focus but also prepared him to contribute significantly to the scientific community, including his current role as a mentor and educator. The strong academic lineage and interdisciplinary training continue to inform his innovative work in spectroscopy and material science.

Professional Experience

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm has cultivated an illustrious career that spans over two decades, centered at the forefront of experimental condensed matter physics. Since 2001, he has served as the chief scientist at the 4D PES beamline of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, where he is responsible for overseeing beamline design, experimental implementation, and user support. In parallel, he has held an adjunct professorship at the University of Ulsan since 2021, further showcasing his commitment to education and research mentorship. Dr. Ihm’s professional leadership extends beyond the laboratory; he has been vice-president of the Surface and Interface Division of the Korean Vacuum Society since 2020 and a representative of the Surface Engineering Division of the International Union for Vacuum Science, Technique and Applications (IUVSTA) since 2022. His influence also reaches national scientific policy, as a member of PAL’s Planning Committee and an evaluator for Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups. He has collaborated globally, serving as a visiting scholar at the Advanced Light Source (LBNL) from 2016–2017 and as a visiting scientist at Elettra in Italy in 2003. Earlier in his career, he worked on transistor simulations at Samsung Electronics, gaining valuable industrial experience that complements his academic pursuits.

Research Interest

Dr. Ihm’s research interests span a rich tapestry of scientific themes at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and engineering. He is deeply invested in understanding the physics and chemistry of condensed matter, with a specific emphasis on low-dimensional materials, topological matter, and strongly correlated systems. His curiosity extends into the transport properties of charge carriers, especially within organic functional materials where quantum chemical effects significantly influence performance. Dr. Ihm is particularly fascinated by how molecular and electronic structures affect material behavior under different conditions. On the experimental front, he specializes in soft X-ray spectroscopy techniques such as Photoemission Spectroscopy (PES), Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS), X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES), and Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS). Additionally, he works extensively with Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) to investigate surface properties at high spatial resolution. His beamline development efforts at PAL underscore his interest in advancing optics for soft X-ray applications, as well as in engineering custom software for experimental data analysis and control. Altogether, Dr. Ihm’s interdisciplinary approach integrates fundamental theory with practical experimentation, bridging the gap between materials science and applied physics to generate new knowledge and technological innovation.

Research Skills

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm possesses an extensive skill set rooted in experimental condensed matter physics, with expertise that encompasses both foundational theory and sophisticated laboratory techniques. A cornerstone of his capabilities lies in soft X-ray spectroscopy, where he expertly applies methods such as PES, NEXAFS, XES, and RIXS to explore electronic and chemical structures of materials. His proficiency with Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) allows him to obtain spatially resolved surface data, adding further depth to his material investigations. Beyond experimental execution, Dr. Ihm is an accomplished optics designer, particularly for soft X-ray beamline systems, where he integrates precision engineering with theoretical modeling. His experience includes the conceptualization and realization of high-performance beamlines, such as the 4D PES beamline at PAL. He also demonstrates robust software development skills, focusing on control systems and data processing tools tailored for beamline experiments. These software tools enhance experimental reproducibility and accuracy, a testament to his attention to detail and innovative thinking. Dr. Ihm’s interdisciplinary training allows him to collaborate seamlessly with chemists, engineers, and theorists, making him a pivotal contributor to complex research teams. His ability to connect experimental insights with real-world applications defines him as a versatile and forward-thinking scientist.

Awards and Honors

Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Kyuwook Ihm has been honored with numerous accolades and professional appointments that reflect his outstanding contributions to science and technology. He has been a fellow of both the Korean Physical Society and the Korean Vacuum Society since 2015, affirming his standing as a leading expert in his field. As vice-president of the Surface and Interface Division of the Korean Vacuum Society, he plays a central role in guiding national research agendas related to surface science. His recognition on the international stage is highlighted by his role as the representative of the Surface Engineering Division within IUVSTA, where he contributes to shaping global strategies in vacuum and surface technologies. Dr. Ihm’s strategic influence extends to institutional leadership, as evidenced by his appointment to the Planning Committee of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, where he has served since 2018. His evaluative expertise is also called upon by Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups, where he has helped assess research proposals since 2015. These prestigious appointments and honors not only celebrate his individual excellence but also illustrate the broad impact of his work across academic, governmental, and international scientific domains.

Conclusion

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm’s career is a compelling example of how deep scientific inquiry, technical mastery, and interdisciplinary collaboration can converge to produce meaningful advancements in experimental physics and materials science. From his early academic work in surface physics to his current leadership at the 4D PES beamline at PAL, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is experimentally possible. His expertise in soft X-ray spectroscopy and photoemission methods has contributed valuable insights into the electronic and structural properties of novel materials, with applications spanning energy storage, catalysis, and semiconductor technology. Beyond research, Dr. Ihm is a dedicated mentor, educator, and scientific leader, influencing both policy and practice within Korea’s scientific community and beyond. His dual engagement in academic and industrial settings equips him with a rare versatility, making him an effective collaborator across sectors. Through roles in international scientific organizations and national evaluation committees, he actively shapes the future of experimental science and technological innovation. As he continues to contribute cutting-edge research and guide the development of next-generation beamline infrastructure, Dr. Ihm remains a vital force in advancing the frontiers of materials science and applied physics.

 Publications Top Notes

1. Theoretical and Experimental Optimization of P2-Type Sodium-Ion Battery Cathodes via Li, Mg, and Ni Co-Doping: A Path to Enhanced Capacity and Stability

• Authors: M. Cho, N. Yaqoob, J. Yu, … P. Kaghazchi, S.-T. Myung

• Year: 2025

• Citations: 3

2. Interfacial contact-driven enhanced environmental photocatalysis of CdS-loaded OH-functionalized carbon nanotubes with low biotoxicity

• Authors: H. Ju, D. T.H. Hoang, W.-S. Jang, … Y.-M. Kim, H. Lee

• Year: 2025

3. Enhancing structural flexibility in P2-type Ni-Mn-based Na-layered cathodes for high power-capability and fast charging/discharging performance

• Authors: B. Ku, J. Ahn, H. Lee, … J. Yoo, J. Kim

• Year: 2025

4. Correction to: Impact of Transition Metal Layer Vacancy on the Structure and Performance of P2 Type Layered Sodium Cathode Material

• Authors: O.Y. Zhanadilov, S. Baiju, N.V. Voronina, … P. Kaghazchi, S.-T. Myung

• Year: 2024

5. Impact of Transition Metal Layer Vacancy on the Structure and Performance of P2 Type Layered Sodium Cathode Material

• Authors: O.Y. Zhanadilov, S. Baiju, N.V. Voronina, … P. Kaghazchi, S.-T. Myung

• Year: 2024

• Citations: 5

6. Origin of Oxidation Variations in Ambient-Stable β-InSe

• Authors: E. Sim, D. Kim, T.H. Nguyen, … S. Lim, K. Ihm

• Year: 2024

7. Multi-Purpose Improvements in Catalytic Activity for Li-Ion Deposited TiO2, SnO2, and CeO2 Nanoparticles through Oxygen-Vacancy Control

• Authors: D.T. Hoang, D. Lim, M.J. Kang, … H.S. Ahn, H. Lee

• Year: 2024

• Citations: 2

8. Migration of Mg in Na-O-Mg Configuration for Oxygen Redox of Sodium Cathode

• Authors: J. Yu, N.V. Voronina, N. Yaqoob, … P. Kaghazchi, S.-T. Myung

• Year: 2024

• Citations: 9

9. Achieving volatile potassium promoted ammonia synthesis via mechanochemistry

• Authors: J. Kim, T. Dai, M. Yang, … Q. Jiang, J.-B. Baek

• Year: 2023

• Citations: 18