Yuanyuan Li – Optical Image Processing – Best Researcher Award 

Published on by AMO Physics

Dr. Yuanyuan Li began her academic journey in Computer Science and Technology at Qufu Normal University from 2015 to 2019, where she laid a strong foundation in computational methods and algorithmic thinking. Driven by a passion for image processing and enhancement, she pursued her Master’s degree at Dalian Maritime University (a prestigious “211” project university) from 2019 to 2022, specializing in Image Enhancement. Her exceptional performance earned her a Master’s degree with an impressive average score of 94.52, along with distinctions such as the “Outstanding Graduate Student” honor, a National Scholarship, and recognition for an outstanding master's thesis. She is currently continuing her academic journey with a PhD at Dalian Maritime University, with a continued focus on Image Enhancement in the field of Optical Image Processing.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Throughout her academic and research career, Dr. Li has engaged in cutting-edge research in Optical Image Processing, particularly focused on underwater image enhancement. Her professional endeavors include the co-invention of five patented technologies and significant contributions to national research projects such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China project on underwater small target perception, led by Fu Xianping. In this project, she played a critical role in exploring bionic vision systems for enhancing underwater image perception, blending theoretical depth with practical innovation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Yuanyuan Li’s research contributions are deeply rooted in Optical Image Processing, particularly emphasizing underwater image enhancement through deep learning, multi-attention mechanisms, and diffusion models. She has authored several high-impact publications in top-tier journals such as IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, IEEE Transactions on Multimedia, Optics and Lasers in Engineering, and IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering. Notable works include:

  • "TAFormer: A Transmission-Aware Transformer for Underwater Image Enhancement", highlighting novel transformer architectures tailored for image restoration.

  • "Underwater optical image enhancement via an unsupervised contrastive learning-guided diffusion model", showcasing pioneering efforts in self-supervised learning.

  • "Multiframe-to-multiframe network for underwater unpaired video enhancement", advancing the frontiers of video-based enhancement in optical domains.

Her patents, such as the Brightness Mask Guided Multi-Attention Mechanism, reflect her contribution to practical implementations in Optical Image Processing systems.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Li’s work is reshaping how Optical Image Processing is applied in underwater environments, directly influencing AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) operations, marine exploration, and UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicle) navigation. Her research not only offers theoretical models but also deployable algorithms for real-world underwater imaging challenges. As a second or third inventor on multiple patented methods, she demonstrates both academic innovation and translational impact. Her models are particularly crucial for improving clarity and accuracy in optical images subjected to challenging lighting and distortion conditions underwater.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Yuanyuan Li’s scholarly output has been recognized and cited across the global research community. Her articles in IEEE and Elsevier journals have received growing citations, confirming the value and applicability of her research in Optical Image Processing. These citations reflect her reputation as an emerging leader in the field, with contributions that bridge deep learning, vision science, and underwater robotics.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a consistent record of academic excellence, national recognition, and scientific creativity, Dr. Li is poised to become a future leader in Optical Image Processing and underwater imaging systems. Her legacy will be marked by the practical translation of AI and deep learning techniques into tools that improve image quality in extreme visual environments. As she progresses through her doctoral studies, she is expected to pioneer further developments in transformer-based imaging architectures and unsupervised learning models, particularly in under-researched domains like underwater and low-light optical image environments.

📘Optical Image Processing

Dr. Yuanyuan Li’s innovative work in optical image processing has led to transformative breakthroughs in underwater enhancement systems. Her studies on optical image processing methods, such as transformer models and diffusion-guided learning, have advanced image clarity in marine environments. Her contributions continue to define the future of optical image processing, particularly in applications requiring robust image recovery under severe distortion and low visibility.

✍️ Notable Publication

Underwater optical image enhancement via an unsupervised contrastive learning-guided diffusion model

Journal: Optics and Lasers in Engineering

Year: 2025

Citations: 0

Multiframe-to-multiframe network for underwater unpaired video enhancement

Journal: Displays

Year: 2025

Citations: 1

A Vignetting-Correction-Based Underwater Image Enhancement Method for AUV With Artificial Light

Journal: IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering

Year: 2025

Citations: 0

Sang-Hyun Chin – Perovskite and Metal Organic Chalcogenide Based Optoelectronics – Best Researcher Award

Published on by AMO Physics

Dr. Sang-Hyun Chin's academic journey began with a deep interest in physics and nanotechnology, earning both his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Physics from Jeonbuk National University, South Korea. His academic curiosity and dedication to advanced material sciences led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the Instituto de Ciencia Molecular, Universitat de València, Spain. His doctoral thesis, Novel Cost-Effective Light Emitters based on Metal Halide Perovskites, laid the groundwork for his impactful future in perovskite and metal organic chalcogenide based optoelectronics.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Following his Ph.D., Dr. Chin embarked on a series of prestigious postdoctoral positions under the Brain Korea (BK) program, first at the Sungkyunkwan University Advanced Institute of NanoTechnology (SAINT) and later at Yonsei University. At SAINT, his collaboration with Hyundai Motors and Sunic System led to breakthroughs in evaporated perovskite solar cells, including record efficiency in γ-CsPbI₃ devices. At Yonsei University, he contributed to the world’s first Metal Organic Chalcogenide-based Light-Emitting Diodes (MOCLEDs), marking a historic achievement in perovskite and metal organic chalcogenide based optoelectronics.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Chin’s primary research contributions span across metal halide perovskites, metal organic chalcogenides, and organic semiconductor materials. His interdisciplinary approach to material synthesis, device fabrication (spin-coating, physical and chemical vapor deposition), and characterization techniques (XRD, PL, ASE, microscopy) has enabled the development of novel light-emitting and energy-harvesting devices. His work targets applications in light-emitting diodes, solar cells, lasers, and light-emitting electrochemical cells, positioning him as a rising figure in the domain of perovskite and metal organic chalcogenide based optoelectronics.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Chin's international collaborations—with institutions like the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) at Politecnico di Milano, Hyundai Motors, and YAS—demonstrate the global reach and significance of his work. His innovations in material science have influenced ongoing research in next-generation optoelectronic devices. His recognition through numerous awards, including the SKKU Supreme Research Program Award and multiple presentation honors, affirms his standing as a leading young scientist in the optoelectronics community.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Chin’s research has been published in highly respected international journals, and his papers continue to gain citations from peers around the world. These academic citations not only validate the importance of his contributions but also highlight the ongoing relevance and application of his work in perovskite and metal organic chalcogenide based optoelectronics research. His interdisciplinary impact is increasingly evident across photonics, materials science, and energy device engineering.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong foundation and an impressive record of innovation, Dr. Sang-Hyun Chin is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of perovskite and metal organic chalcogenide based optoelectronics. His future contributions are expected to push the boundaries of light-emitting and photovoltaic technologies, addressing global demands for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. As a researcher with both deep scientific insight and international collaboration experience, Dr. Chin is set to shape the next era of nanomaterial-based optoelectronic devices.

📝Perovskite and Metal Organic Chalcogenide Based Optoelectronics

Dr. Chin's trailblazing research in perovskite and metal organic chalcogenide based optoelectronics has led to novel device architectures and high-performance light-emitting applications. His collaborative efforts and advanced fabrication techniques position him at the forefront of perovskite and metal organic chalcogenide based optoelectronics innovation. As he continues to develop future technologies, Dr. Chin’s work remains essential to the progress of perovskite and metal organic chalcogenide based optoelectronics.

Notable Publication

📝Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes

Authors: A. Fakharuddin, M.K. Gangishetty, M. Abdi-Jalebi, S.H. Chin, A.R.M. Yusoff, et al.

Journal: Nature Electronics

Year: 2022

Citations: 569

📝Temperature-Dependent Photoluminescence of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ Perovskite Quantum Dots and Bulk Counterparts

Authors: H.C. Woo, J.W. Choi, J. Shin, S.H. Chin, M.H. Ann, C.L. Lee

Journal: Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

Year: 2018

Citations: 174

📝Realizing a Highly Luminescent Perovskite Thin Film by Controlling Grain Size and Crystallinity through Solvent Vapour Annealing

Authors: S.H. Chin, J.W. Choi, H.C. Woo, J.H. Kim, H.S. Lee, C.L. Lee

Journal: Nanoscale

Year: 2019

Citations: 37

📝Advancing Perovskite Solar Cell Commercialization: Bridging Materials, Vacuum Deposition, and AI-Assisted Automation

Authors: Z. Xu, S.H. Chin, B.I. Park, Y. Meng, S. Kim, et al.

Journal: Next Materials

Year: 2024

Citations: 23

📝Binding Sites, Vibrations and Spin-Lattice Relaxation Times in Europium(II)-Based Metallofullerene Spin Qubits

Authors: Z. Hu, A. Ullah, H. Prima-García, S.H. Chin, Y. Wang, et al.

Journal: Chemistry – A European Journal

Year: 2021

Citations: 15

📝Tunable Luminescent Lead Bromide Complexes

Authors: S.H. Chin, J.W. Choi, Z. Hu, L. Mardegan, M. Sessolo, H.J. Bolink

Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry C

Year: 2020

Citations: 12

Vipin Kumar – Computational Analysis of two-dimensional Materials for Optoelectronics – Best Researcher Award 

Published on by AMO Physics

Dr. Vipin Kumar's academic journey began with a strong foundation in physics. He obtained his B.Sc. from YDPG College, Lakhimpur Kheri, under CSJM University Kanpur in 2006, followed by an M.Sc. in Physics from VSSD College, Kanpur, in 2008. His passion for physics and materials science led him to pursue a Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, where he worked under the supervision of Prof. Girish S Setlur. His doctoral research, completed in 2015 and awarded in 2016, focused on the optical properties of 2D carbon-based materials, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to computational analysis of two-dimensional materials for optoelectronics.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Vipin Kumar has an extensive research and teaching career spanning multiple prestigious institutions. He served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at IIT Bombay (2015-2017) in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science, focusing on materials science applications. He then transitioned into academia as an Assistant Professor at Manipal University Jaipur (2017-2022), where he expanded his research in computational condensed matter physics. Since 2022, he has been a Research Assistant Professor at Yeungnam University, South Korea, furthering his work in computational analysis of two-dimensional materials for optoelectronics and hydrogen energy applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Vipin Kumar’s research lies at the intersection of Computational Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science. His expertise encompasses the electronic, optical, dielectric, and transport properties of nanostructured materials, with a significant focus on spintronics and density functional theory (DFT). His work also extends to hydrogen energy and water-splitting applications, utilizing nanostructured materials for electrochemical analysis. His contributions to computational analysis of two-dimensional materials for optoelectronics have provided new insights into their fundamental properties, making them viable for future technological advancements.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Vipin Kumar’s research has had a profound impact on the scientific community, particularly in the field of two-dimensional materials and their optoelectronic applications. His findings have enhanced the understanding of low-dimensional materials, influencing advancements in semiconductor technologies, nanophotonics, and energy applications. As an active researcher, he collaborates with international institutions and contributes to cutting-edge research, making significant strides in materials science and computational physics.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Vipin Kumar has published extensively in high-impact scientific journals, and his research has been widely cited by scholars working on computational analysis of two-dimensional materials for optoelectronics. His work on density functional theory-based simulations and spintronic materials has gained recognition in the computational materials science community, solidifying his role as a leading researcher in the field.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Vipin Kumar aims to further explore the optoelectronic applications of two-dimensional materials, pushing the boundaries of computational condensed matter physics. His future research will focus on improving energy efficiency in nanostructured materials, advancing hydrogen energy technologies, and optimizing spintronics for next-generation electronic devices. His contributions will continue to shape the future of two-dimensional materials for optoelectronics, ensuring his lasting impact in materials science and nanotechnology.

📝Notable Publication

📝Enhanced Visible Light Response in Engineered Strontium Iodide Monolayer for Optoelectronic Applications

Authors: V. Kumar (Vipin), U. Kumar (Upendra), G.K. Maurya (Gyanendra Kumar), P.P.P. Kumar (Pushpendra P. Praveen), J. Gwag (Jin-seog)

Journal: Applied Science and Convergence Technology

Year: 2025

Citations: 0

📝Insights into the Electronic, Optoelectronic, and Photocatalytic Properties of Octahedrally Coordinated Strontium Dichloride (SrCl₂) Monolayer

Authors: V. Kumar (Vipin), G.K. Maurya (Gyanendra Kumar), P.P.P. Kumar (Pushpendra P. Praveen), J. Gwag (Jin-seog)

Journal: Computational Condensed Matter

Year: 2024

Citations: 1

📝Oxygen-Doping Induced Tunable Optoelectronic Properties of Two-Dimensional (2D) 1T-MgF₂ Monolayer: A First-Principles Study

Authors: V. Kumar (Vipin), Y. Choi (Yoonseuk), L.G. Trung (Le Gia), P.P.P. Kumar (Pushpendra P. Praveen), J. Gwag (Jin-seog)

Journal: Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing

Year: 2024

Citations: 0

📝Tunable Electronic, Optoelectronic, and Photocatalytic Properties of MoS₂ and GaS Monolayers in the MoS₂/GaS Heterostructure

Authors: V. Kumar (Vipin), P.P.P. Kumar (Pushpendra P. Praveen), Akash, A. Saini (Ajay), J. Gwag (Jin-seog)

Journal: ChemistrySelect

Year: 2024

Citations: 0

📝A First-Principles Investigation of the Electronic, Dielectric, and Optical Properties of Two-Dimensional (2D) Monolayer Transition Metal Dichlorides

Authors: V. Kumar (Vipin), H.J. Jeon (Hwajun Joon), P.P.P. Kumar (Pushpendra P. Praveen), J. Gwag (Jin-seog)

Journal: Indian Journal of Physics

Year: 2024

Citations: 1