Koray Aydin

Koray Aydin is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. He leads the Metamaterials and Nanophotonic Devices Lab (MNDL) and holds a joint appointment in the PhD Program in Applied Physics, with research spanning multiple departments and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Dr. Aydin earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Bilkent University in 2008 and his B.S. in Physics from the same institution in 2002. His academic trajectory demonstrates a clear progression from foundational physics training to leadership in applied photonics research, culminating in his promotion to tenured Associate Professor.

His research program centers on nanophotonics, strategically positioned at the intersection of electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, and nanoscience. The MNDL investigates optical metamaterials, plasmonics, and solid-state nanophotonics to understand and manipulate light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. Current research thrusts include metamaterials for subwavelength light control, plasmonic absorption engineering, 2D materials for optoelectronics, inverse-designed millimeter-wave and optical metadevices, and tunable nanophotonic systems using phase transition materials like vanadium dioxide. His group employs advanced electromagnetic simulation, nanofabrication techniques, and nanoscale optical characterization to develop devices with novel functionalities.

Analysis of his publication record reveals a strategic evolution toward machine learning-enabled inverse design methodologies and DNA-assembled dynamic metamaterials. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on practical applications in telecommunications (including 5G networks), defense technologies, and healthcare diagnostics, with particular emphasis on creating tunable, reconfigurable optical systems that overcome traditional limitations of bulkiness and narrow bandwidth.

Dr. Aydin's research has been recognized through invitations to present at prestigious conferences including SPIE Optics and Photonics and the Gordon Research Conference on Plasmonics and Nanophotonics. His work has received significant media attention, highlighted by Northwestern News, Newsweek, photonics.com, phys.org, and Science Daily, particularly for breakthroughs in DNA-assembled metamaterials and 3D-printed optical devices.

As an educator and mentor, Dr. Aydin has successfully guided multiple graduate students through thesis completion, with alumni like Dr. Liu and Francois Callewaert transitioning to impactful careers in industry (Microsoft) and academia. His research program is supported by substantial external funding that sustains a vibrant team of postdocs, graduate students, and visiting researchers from institutions worldwide, including collaborations with Chad Mirkin's group on DNA-mediated nanoparticle assembly.

The Metamaterials and Nanophotonic Devices Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for nanofabrication and optical characterization, while fostering international collaborations with researchers from Tel Aviv University and other institutions. Current projects focus on developing next-generation photonic devices with applications ranging from ultra-compact eyeglasses to invisible smartphone cameras and adaptive sensor systems for aerospace applications.