Our Research

M² Lab focuses on fundamental and applied research in microwave magnonics, where spin waves (magnons) interact with phonons, photons, and electric currents. We aim to build next-generation devices for quantum information transfer, neuromorphic computing, and spin-based signal processing using magnonic and hybrid systems.

Research Themes

1. Magnon-Phonon Coupling
Investigating coherent interaction between magnons and phonons in engineered platforms. We explore how vibrational modes can mediate long-range magnon coupling and energy transport.

• Bright and dark states of two distant macrospins strongly coupled by phonons, Phys. Rev. X, 2022
• Coherent long-range transfer of angular momentum between magnon Kittel modes by phonons, Phys. Rev. B, 2020
• Optimizing the magnon-phonon cooperativity in planar geometries, Phys. Rev. Applied, 2023

2. Spin-Wave Logic & Neuromorphic Devices
We design spin-wave devices that perform logic operations and emulate neural functions using nonlinear interaction among spin waves.

• Emergent coherent modes in nonlinear magnonic waveguides, Nature Communications, 2024
• Optimization of Spin-Wave Propagation with Enhanced Group Velocities, Phys. Rev. Applied, 2019

3. Quantum Magnonics
We utilize microwave magnonic platforms to explore hybrid quantum systems and information transfer at GHz frequencies. This could be potentially useful for quantum communication and quantum sensing.

• Bright and dark states of two distant macrospins strongly coupled by phonons, Phys. Rev. X, 2022

4. Spin-Caloritronics & Energy Conversion
We investigate spin and heat interactions to explore thermally driven spin currents and spin-dependent thermal transport. This includes nonlocal heat transfer via magnons and phonons, with a goal of advancing energy-efficient spin-based devices and thermal logic platforms.

• Short-range Thermal Magnon Diffusion in Magnetic Garnet, Phys. Rev. B, 2021
• Magnons and phonons optically driven out of local equilibrium, Phys. Rev. Lett., 2016

Ongoing Projects

Sejong Science Fellowship (2021–2026)
This project supports frontier research on quantum-like magnon dynamics and spin-phonon interactions. We are exploring low-dissipation information transport using microwave magnonics and engineered phononic structures.

ITRC Program at Chungbuk National University (2024–2031)
M² Lab participates in the ITRC (Information Technology Research Center) program, focusing on next-generation magnon-based device platforms for quantum sensing technologies.