Dancing with Electrons

IBS Research7th Issue | 2016 2nd

IBS

Research

7th Issue | 2

01

6 2

nd

With a complete understanding of

superconductivity, room-temperature

superconductors that do not require

cooling down will be identified in

the future. The discovery will be an

unparalleled contribution to humanity,

and many say the discoverer would be

an instant Nobel laureate. The world

would never be the same. A world that

dances with electron pairs which bring

about superconductivity: such a dance

with superconductivity in the future

would be more fascinating than any

film that could be imagined.

FOCUS INTERVIEW

Pioneering a New Field of Study “Catalytronics” with “Hot

Electrons”

PARK Jeong Young, Associate Director of the Center for

Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions, Professor at KAIST

Young Scientist, Educated and Trained Exclusively in

Korea, Takes International Science Community by Storm

LEE Hyunjae, Research Fellow of the Center for Nanoparticle

Research

RESEARCH FRONTLINE

Dancing with ElectronsThree Decades After the Discovery of High-Temperature Superconductors

Solving the Theoretical Riddle of High-Temperature Superconductivity

Superconductors Usher in a New World

| RESEARCH FRONTLINE

04 Dancing with Electrons

06 Three Decades After the Discovery of High-

Temperature Superconductors

12 Solving the Theoretical Riddle of High-Temperature

Superconductivity

18 Superconductors Usher in a New World

| FOCUS INTERVIEW

24 Leading Researcher

Pioneering a New Field of Study “Catalytronics” with

“Hot Electrons” PARK Jeong Young, Associate Director of the Center for

Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions, Professor at KAIST

30 Young & Able

Young Scientist, Educated and Trained Exclusively

in Korea, Takes International Science Community by

Storm LEE Hyunjae, Research Fellow of the Center for Nanoparticle

Research

| RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT

34 Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalizations

Methane as a New Energy Source through

Catalytic Borylation

38 RESEARCH AT A GLANCE

Center for Nanoparticle Research

Nanowire Mesh Keeps the Heart Beating

40 Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics

AI Brain Using 2D Nanomaterials

42 Center for Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions

‘Hot Electrons’, a Key to Understanding

Catalysis, Detected in a Liquid Environment

43 Center for Genomic Integrity

Treatment for Cancers Caused by Flaws in

DNA Mismatch Repair


Center for Soft and Living Matter

Smart Materials, Using Teamwork-based

Movements Resembling Bees and Birds

46 Center for Cognition and Sociality

Discovery of a Protein that Acts as a Rubber

in Cell Migration

48 Center for Underground Physics

Setting a New Limit for the Characteristics of

Sterile Neutrinos


Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research

A Window into a Living Brain

| VIEWPOINT

52 IBS Looks to the Future as it Celebrates Five

Years in Promoting Basic Science Review of the IBS Fifth Anniversary Round Table

| REPORT

58 From Climate Change to the Microscopic

World, Science Fascinates Audiences Public lecture held in celebration of the fifth

anniversary of the Institute for Basic Science

| NEWS

With a complete understanding of

superconductivity, room-temperature

superconductors that do not require

cool ing down wil l be identi f ied in

the future. The discovery will be an

unparalleled contribution to humanity, and

many say the discoverer would be an

instant Nobel laureate. The world would

never be the same. A world that dances

with electron pairs which bring about

superconductivity: such a dance with

superconductivity in the future would be

more fascinating than any film that could

be imagined.

COVER

2016 7th Issue | 2016 2nd

24

30

40

06

48

34

Publisher

KIM Doochul

Editor in Chief

KIM Eunjoon (Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunction)

Editorial Board

BAE Yeong jin (Center for Geometry and Physics)

PARK Je-Geun (Center for Correlated Electron Systems)

KIM Jeongyong (Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics)

LEE Sung-Hoon (Center for Artificial Low Dimensional Electronic Systems)

Moo Hyun Lee (Center for Underground Physics)

KIM Hyung Taek (Center for Relativistic Laser Science)

LEE Jeong Yong (Center for Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions)

RHEE Young Min (Center for Self-Assembly and Complexity)

KIM Dae-Hyeong (Center for Nanoparticle Research)

KIM Seho (Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions)

JANG Myoung Ho (Academy of Immunology and Microbiology)

WOO Jae Sung (Center for RNA Research)

HEO Won Do (Center for Cognition and Sociality)

RYU Jong Sang (Center for Plant Aging Research)

SUH Minah (Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research)

CHOI Wonshik (Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics)

Editors

SIM Shibo, KIM Carol Dahee, KIM Hanseob, GO EunKyeong, KIM Jooyoun,

Letizia Diamante (IBS)

LEE Choong-Hwan, KIM Taeckwon (Donga S&C)

Institute for Basic Science

Addresss

Institute for Basic Science, 70, Yuseong-

daero(Blvd) 1689-gil(St), Yuseong-gu,

Daejeon, Korea

Phone Number

+82-42-878-8114

Fax

+82-42-878-8079

Homepage

www.ibs.re.kr

First Issued

December 27, 2013

Published

December 30, 2016

Production

Donga Science & Communication

Design

Blackfinger

Images

IBS, Shutterstock

ElectronsDancing with

Superconductivity is a subject of physics in which the Nobel Prize has

been awarded five times. In 1911, Heike Kamerlingh Onnes discovered

the phenomenon of superconductivity in mercury when its electrical

resistance suddenly dropped to zero at extremely low temperatures. He

was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1913 for his achievement

with material property at extremely low temperatures. Since then, many

scientists have attempted to look into the phenomenon, and John

Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and John Schrieffer explained it successfully.

These three scientists coauthored Theory of Superconductivity (or the

BCS theory) explaining that electrons at extremely low temperatures form

electron pairs (Cooper Pairs) and have zero electrical resistance, for which

they shared the 1972 Nobel Prize in Physics. In the following year, the

Nobel Prize in Physics was given to Brian Josephson, who theoretically

predicted a phenomenon (known as the Josephson Effect) that electric

current flows through the tunneling of Cooper pairs with an inserted thin

insulation (nonconductor) between two superconductive materials.

In 1986, Johannes Bednorz and Karl Müller found superconductivity

in ceramics (high-temperature superconductivity), for which they were

awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics the next year. Expectations grew

high for a new world with soon-to-be-possible commercialization of

superconductors as they found a material with which superconductivity

occurs at high temperature – a high-temperature superconductor. In

2003, jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for physics were Vitaly Ginzburg

and Alexei Abrikosov, who worked on the relationship between

superconductivity and magnetism and predicted the existence of a

Type II superconductor. Type II superconductors maintain zero electrical

resistance in an extremely strong magnetic field, and are applied widely

in such areas as superconductor magnets and superconductor power

transmission. Currently, superconductors are used in a variety of fields

including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), superconductor cables,

nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment, magnetic levitation trains,

nuclear fusion reactors, and particle accelerators.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of high-

temperature superconductors. The fundamental principles behind high-

temperature superconductivity, however, have yet to be completely

identified. The essential feature of the BCS theory, which explains low-

temperature superconductivity, is the principle of Cooper pair formation,

(researchers describe it as couples of electrons dancing in a ballroom), and many

scientists agree that Cooper pairs are essential to high-temperature

superconductivity. In order to completely understand the mechanism of

high-temperature superconductivity, it is necessary to understand how

Cooper pairs are formed at high temperatures.

Following the 1986 discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in

copper-oxide compounds, iron-based superconductors were discovered

in 2008. Amid worldwide scientific efforts to identify the fundamental

principles behind high-temperature superconductivity, recent results

from the Center for Correlated Electron Systems (CCES) at the Institute

for Basic Science (IBS) are notable. The researchers have come closer to

comprehensively understanding iron-based superconductivity, and for

the first time, have succeeded in measuring Cooper pairs, with atom-

level detail, in high-temperature superconductors. The scientists at IBS

are in the forefront of research efforts to identify the mechanisms of high-

temperature superconductivity.

With a complete understanding of superconductivity, room-temperature

superconductors that do not require cooling down will also be identified

in the future. The discovery will be an unparalleled contribution to

humanity, and many say the discoverer would be an instant Nobel

laureate. The world would never be the same. Room-temperature

superconductors even appear in a science fiction film: Avatar. In the

film, humans seeking to mine a rare element wage war with the local

Na’vi people on the fictional planet, Pandora. The element is a room-

temperature superconductor that, with the effect of a magnetic field,

enables levitation of enormous land masses. A world that dances with

electron pairs which bring about superconductivity: such a dance with

superconductivity in the future would be more fascinating than any film

that could be imagined.The castle in the pyrenees,1959 - René Magritte

“Castle of the Pyrenees” by Magritte

In Castle of the Pyrenees of 1959, the massive and rocky has successfully and surprisingly been made buoyant and light. Magritte presents the castle in the air to signify an impossible situation, an imagined situation, solidly, substantially. His several paintings present such enormous rocks that deem to be surreal and defying the law of nature. However, the discovery of room-temperature superconductors might make such fantasy become a reality.

0504 0504

In the early 20th century, Heike Kamerlingh

Onnes, a Dutch physicist at Leiden University,

wa s ab so rbed in deve lop ing coo l ing

equipment for his study of the motion of gas

on the molecular level, particularly at low

temperatures. Consequently, he succeeded

in liquefying helium for the first time at a

temperature of 4.2K in

1908. Then, taking advantage of this success,

he sought to test temperature dependence of

metal resistivity which, at the time, was a matter

of great interest in the science community. It

was a time when quantum mechanics had yet

to be established and, with little knowledge

on metal resistivity, many potential scenarios

on how metal resistivity would change when

temperatures came down to 0K were proposed.

Lord Kelvin claimed that metal

resistivity would increase to infinity, whereas

James Dewar argued that it would come down

Matthiessen suggested that the resistivity would

converge to a finite value. To test this, Onnes

chose high-purity mercury as it could be

his test results, completely unexpected, revealed

that the electric resistance of mercury suddenly

discovery in superconductivity.

S o o n a f t e r t h e i n i t i a l d i s c ove r y o f

superconduc t i v i t y in mercur y, o ther

materials such as lead , tin , cadmium

, and thal l ium were also found

to be superconductors. The secret of

superconductivity, that electrical resistance

attracting the highest attention from then-

prominent physicists in Europe. However,

it was a problem no one could solve as even

quantum mechanics had yet to be established.

Moreover, everyone approached the problem

of superconductivity only as a phenomenon

finest minds of the time in physics, including

Bohr attempted to describe the phenomenon,

but all failed. Only Lev Landau, a Russian

physicist, noted that one should not regard

superconductivitors to be simply perfect

conductors as it would mean that collisions

of electrons that render finite resistivity above

critical temperatures (Tc are suddenly no longer

present when temperatures drop to below Tc.

science moved to the US from Europe. Some

of the most brilliant physicists, including Léon

Brillouin, Werner Heisenberg, Herbert Fröhlich,

David Bohm, and Richard Feynman, worked

on superconductivity, but even they were not

able to crack the secret.

BCS Theory Solves the Superconductivity

Riddle

experiments were published which played

a critical role in ultimate understanding

of the microscopic mechanism for the

superconductivity. The first report was by

the physicists Walther Meissner and Robert

Oschenfeld, who discovered the phenomenon

(now known as the Meissner

diamagnetism rather than perfect conductivity

has become the key aspect

of the superconductivity. The other was the

experiment by Bernard Serin at Rutgers

University in the US and Emanuel Maxwell

in which they discovered a change in critical

temperatures when a superconductor is replaced

by its isotope, which is referred to as the isotope

University of Illinois was aware that, from

the isotope effect, the interactions between

electrons and lattices are the primary cause of

open on the Fermi surface (a surface that connects

.

Consequently, under Bardeen’s direction,

Leon Cooper, a post-doctoral fellow, and

John R. Schrieffer, a graduate school student,

discovered the mechanism for Cooper pairs

and the description of the quantum state

of superconductors in 1957. The three

scientists, on the basis of the quantum state,

authored one of the most important theories

in 20th century physics that explain almost all

experimental facts related to the phenomenon

of superconductivity. Known as the BCS theory,

named after the three scientists, the theory was

accepted immediately by academia, and greatly

The starting point of the BCS theory is that

(called

pairs are formed by the interactions between

of the principle is illustrated in Fig. 2: When

Electron #1 moves, the lattice bends from the

interaction between the electron and lattice.

When Electron #2 enters the vicinity after

Electron #1 has passed, it prefers the place

due to the bent lattice. The process generates

a pull between the two electrons, which is the

principle behind the formation of Cooper pairs.

From the perspective of perturbation theory

in quantum mechanics, this can be illustrated

as the Feyman diagram shown in Fig. 1. Here,

solid lines represent the motion of electrons,

while the wavy line shows lattice vibration

. The diagram illustrates that electrons

with opposite momentum and spin can generate

attractive force by exchanging phonons, using

phonons as the medium. Hence, understanding

superconductivity.

Before long, the BCS theory was expanded by

G. M. Eliashberg and others to a more general

theory, known as the “Eliashberg theory”

which can be conveniently used in calculating

characteristics of complex phonon motion

and phonon scattering by impurities in solids.

Currently, the critical temperature or phonon

spectra of a material can be calculated based on

the Eliashberg theory, and substantial progress

has been made to the extent that the results of

such calculations become quite close to those of

experimental values.

In the meantime, on the materials science

with high critical temperatures had been

Since the discovery of superconductivity

at extremely low temperatures, many

scientists have been skeptical about

the possibility for superconductivity at

temperatures higher than 30 K, or about

243°C below zero. Just three decades

ago, however, in defiance of all doubts,

high-temperature superconductors (copper

oxide high-temperature superconductors) were

discovered in 1986. Since then, iron-based

superconductors were discovered in 2008,

and very recently hydrogen sulfide was

found to be superconducting at 69°C below

zero. It is expected that new materials

superconducting at room temperature will

be discovered someday.

By KIM Changyoung, Associate Director, Center for Correlated Electron Systems

BANG Yunkyu, Professor, Dept. of Physics, Chonnam National University

Three Decades After the Discovery of High-Temperature Superconductors

It has been 30 years since the discovery of what was once believed to be impossible: high-

temperature superconductivity. Now, it will not be long before the advent of new materials

that possess the ability for room-temperature superconductivity. The photo shows yttrium

barium copper oxide (YBCO) with a critical temperature of 90K to 93K. © wikimedia

Onnes succeeded in liquefying

helium for the first time at a

temperature of 4.2K.

Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, a Dutch physicist at Leiden University, succeeded

in liquefying helium for the first time at a temperature of 4.2K (about 269°C

below zero) in 1908. Afterwards, his test results, completely unexpected,

revealed that the electric resistance of mercury suddenly sunk to zero at

temperatures of 4.3K – an epic discovery in superconductivity.

0706

7th Issue | 2016 2nd

0706

RESEARCHH FRONNTLINNE

superconductivity seems to be best explained

In the experimental perspective, it is certain

that the high-temperature superconductivity

phenomenon occurs when Cooper pairs

are formed. Therefore, the key to finding

the microscopic mechanism for the high-

temperature superconductivity depends on the

description of the formation of Cooper pairs.

with one of the most likely explanations being

theory. The existing BCS theory describes that

two electrons mediated by lattice vibration

form Cooper pairs, whereas the spin-

fluctuation theory explains that, instead of

lattice vibration, superconductivity in copper

oxide is mediated by the antiferromagnetic

spin wave (electron spins are arranged opposite to those of

higher critical temperatures. In addition, the

theory can well describe the experimentally

confirmed d-wave gap. (Most superconductors,

including mercury, have s-wave gaps. For further details on the

From the perspective of application, it is very

important that critical temperatures are higher

than 77K, the boiling point of liquid nitrogen.

This is because using liquid helium to maintain

the superconducting state at an extremely low

temperature is costly; instead liquid nitrogen

costs a mere 1/40 of liquid helium and can be

used virtually indefinitely. Consequently, the

discovery of high-temperature superconductors

means that superconductors can be much

more available in our everyday lives. That

Laboratories. The discovery of tin niobate Sn,

Tc ,a niobium-based alloy, in the 1970s

was a very significant achievement from the

perspective of superconductivity applications.

Thanks to its relatively high critical temperature

Sn can be used for high magnetic field

superconducting magnets, for example, for

Ge, Tc in 1974, no more superconductors

with higher critical temperatures had been

found for a while. Consequently, scientists began

believing, based on their experience or half-

the upper limit for the superconducting critical

temperatures.

Discovery of Copper Oxide as a High-

Temperature Superconductor – A New

Beginning

c among the main

stream scientists was broken by two scientists

Müller, at IBM Zurich Research Laboratory

in 1986, exactly three decades ago. The two

researchers found that the critical temperature (La2-xBaxCuO4 , a ceramic oxide

compound which at the time was considered a

no-no in the field of superconductivity. It was

truly a record breaker: 12K higher than the

highest critical temperature at

the time. Word of the new superconductors

spread quickly, and while researchers around

the world were still excited at the news, another

discovery stunned the world. In 1987, professors

Maw-KuencWu and Paul Chu, along with

their students, announced the discovery of

YBa2Cu O7, a superconducting material with

than 77K, the boiling point of liquid nitrogen.

Materials such as La2-xBaxCuO4 and YBa2Cu O7

are called high-temperature superconductors

as their critical temperatures are higher than

those of their predecessors. The discovery of

high-temperature superconductors has changed

the history of superconductivity research, and

opened a new era in the study of copper oxide

high-temperature superconductors. Later,

another copper oxide, HgBa2Ca2Cu Ox (Tc ,

highest critical temperature superconductor at 1

atmospheric pressure.

The significance of the discovery of copper

oxide high-temperature superconductors can

be discussed from the aspects of scientific

approaches and technological applications.

First, in view of basic science, copper-based

superconductors are of noticeably different

materials from the previously discovered

high critical temperatures but also for almost all

their physical properties. These materials are

not good conductors; rather, they are almost

pre-1986 common logic of superconductivity

study, a good superconducting material is

usually found in a good conductor; magnetic

substances were to be avoided as they were

believed to be completely incompatible with

superconductivity. Consequently, the discovery

of high-temperature superconductors forced

physicists to re-examine the BCS theory

of conventional superconductive from the

beginning. Researchers have been largely

divided into two groups; one group proposes

theories that are still based on the BCS theory

while the other suggests theories that are

not been reached. Judging from the progress

and circumstances in relevant experiments

and theories, however, high-temperature

Before long, the BCS theory was

expanded by G. M. Eliashberg and

others to a more general theory,

known as the “Eliashberg theory”

which can be conveniently used

in calculating characteristics of

complex phonon motion and phonon

scattering by impurities in solids.

Johannes G. Bednorz and Karl

A. Müller won Nobel Prize in

Physics in 1987 for their discovery

of superconductivity in ceramic

materials.

Fig. 1) The interactions between electrons and lattices.

Solid lines represent the motion of electrons, while the

wavy line shows lattice vibration (phonons). k means

momentum of electrons and q represents momentum

of phonons. The momentum of Electorn #1 changes

from k to k’ through interactions with phonons while

the momentum of Electorn #2 switches from –k to –k’.

This phonon momentum q is then k – k’.

Fig. 2) When Electron #1 moves, atoms move

due to the interaction between electron and

ions. When Electron #2 enters the vicinity

after Electron #1 has passed, it prefers the

place due to bent lattices. As a result, the

two electrons experience an attractive force,

which is the principle behind the formation

of Cooper pairs. From the perspective of

perturbation theory in quantum mechanics,

this can be illustrated by the Feyman diagram.

Electron 2 Electron 1

Atoms

Bonding

Fig. 3) The BCS theory describes that two electrons pair up

to form a Cooper pair, mediated by lattice vibration (phonons),

whereas the spin-fluctuation theory explains that, instead

of lattice vibration, superconductivity is mediated by the

antiferromagnetic spin wave.

Moving electrons

Locked electrons

k’Electron 2

Phonon

Electron 1

q

k

-k

-k’

0908


0908


as a superconductor with its Tc at 42K in 2000.

From this perspective, then, the potential

candidate material with the highest critical

temperature would be hydrogen, the lightest

element of all. Hydrogen exists in a gaseous

state at normal atmospheric pressure, so once its

density is increased under high pressure, it can

become a superconductor, as was suggested for

quite sometime. The problem here, however, is

how to achieve the enormously high pressure

necessary for the process. In 2015, Mikhail

Eremets and his colleagues at the Max Planck

hydrogen sulfide becomes superconducting at

a Tc under a pressure of

1.5 million bar . The critical temperature

is by far the highest among reported results

to date, albeit at a high pressure. With

pressure conditions met, this material can be

superconducting in places where the need

for cooling equipment does not exist, as in

One of the biggest obstacles to the application

of superconductivity lies in cooling equipment.

Superconductors cannot be used in the entire

power transmission system due to the need for

such powerful cooling systems. However, if Tc is

as high as room temperatures, superconducting

materials become superconducting without

process. This complexity raises the production

cost of superconducting wire materials, thus

however, high-temperature superconducting

magnets for high magnetic fields that could

not be manufactured with previously available

superconductors have begun to be installed at

research laboratories, and power transmission

lines using superconducting cables will soon be

introduced in South Korea. Commercial high-

the corner.

Iron-Based Materials, Hydrogen Sulfide,

and the Dream of Room-Temperature

Superconductors

When Prof. Hideo Hosono at Japan’s Tokyo

Institute of Technology announced that

LaFePO, an iron-based compound, is a

superconductor with a critical temperature of

any attention. In 2008, however, when the same

research team presented a similar compound of

scientists involved in superconductivity research

began to show great interest in the new material.

Only two months after the discovery, Chinese

its critical temperature was 55K. Researchers

across the world rekindled their 1986 passion for

contain iron, and are usually referred to as iron-

based high-temperature superconductors; their

current highest critical temperature is 56K. It is

oxide base plate, the critical temperature goes

up to as high as 100K.

based high-temperature superconductors are

considerably lower than those of copper oxide

high-temperature superconductors, discoveries

forward on the following basis: First, like their

copper oxide counterparts, iron-based high-

temperature superconductors are rooted in

can provide additional information necessary

to describe the fundamental principles of high

temperature superconducting phenomena.

been proposed with advances in the study of

iron-based high-temperature superconductors.

Moreover, in terms of application, their critical

current density, one of the most essential

factors, is known to be higher than in copper

oxide superconductors, thus bringing forward

the application of superconductivity in practice

along with advances in cooling technology.

The higher the critical current density of

a superconductor, the more current can be

allowed per unit cross-sectional area of electrical

wires, thus saving on costs of superconductive

wire materials.

In the meantime, according to the BCS

theory that is based on the interaction

between electrons and lattices, it is possible to

make a superconductor with higher critical

MgB2, a compound of rather light elements of

magnesium and boron , was discovered

cooling, and this will pave the way for a

the ques t ion: Wi l l room-temperature

superconductors really become available? The

research on new superconductors has progressed

while repeatedly broken our stereotypes. Thirty

years ago, when critical temperatures higher

temperature superconductors over 90K Tc were

discovered. Since then, despite many failures

interspersing the search for high-temperature

superconductors, eventually, high-temperature

superconductivity in iron-based materials and

historic development of the research, we believe

discovery of room temperature superconductors

is no longer a wild dream.

<A Brief History of Superconductivity Discoveries>

Year Milestones

1911 Heike Kamerlingh Onnes discovers a superconductive phenomenon in mercury.

1933Walther Meissner and Robert Oschenfeld discover the phenomenon of expulsion of a

magnetic field from a superconductor – a perfect diamagnetism effect (the Meissner effect).

1957John Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and J. Robert Schrieffer announce their BCS theory, which

explains the previously discovered superconductive phenomenon.

1962

Brian Josephson reports the discovery that electrical current flows through a barrier of a

nonconductor inserted in between two superconductors – an effect of tunneling of Cooper

pairs (the Josephson effect).

1986J. Georg Bednorz and K. Alex Müller discover a superconductive phenomenon in LaBaCuO,

a ceramic oxide compound.

1987Maw-Kuen Wu and Paul Chu discover YBaCuO, a superconductive material with critical

temperatures of 93K – much higher than 77K, the boiling point of liquid nitrogen.

2008Hideo Hosono announces that LaFeAs[OF], an iron-based compound, is a superconductor

with critical temperatures of 26K.

2015Mikhail Eremets reports that hydrogen sulfide becomes superconductive at Tc of 203K (69°C

below zero) under a pressure of 1.5 million bar.

York Times published articles on finding new

of high temperature superconductivity has

sought out in a variety of areas such as

superconducting magnets for MRI, power

transmission cables, superconducting motors,

and superconducting power generators. With

no electrical resistance, superconducting cables,

when used for power transmission lines, can

transfer electricity without energy loss. These

superconducting wires also allow more electrical

current than copper cables if they have similar

made with superconducting wires is smaller than

an ordinary electromagnet, yet can generate

a stronger magnetic field. Then the question

temperature superconductors occurred yet?

barriers still remain. The application of

superconductivity begins with manufacturing

quality superconducting wires, the process of

which involves more and complicated stages

than existing copper wire materials which can

Fig. 4) Ever since the

discovery of the first one,

there have been continued

discoveries of other high-

temperature superconductors.

The critical temperature of

HgBa2Ca2Cu3Ox, a copper

oxide, was reported to be 135K

at 1 atmospheric pressure.

It is known that single-layer

FeSe films on an oxide based

substrate have a critical

temperature that is as high as

100K. A recent report revealed

that hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

becomes a superconductor

with a critical temperature

of 203K at a pressure of 1.5

million bar (150 gigapascals).

The magnet is floating when placed on top of a high temperature

superconductor that is frozen with liquid nitrogen. This

phenomenon in superconductors is called Meissner effect.

Tc

years

1110


1110


Solving the Theoretical Riddle of High-Temperature Superconductivity

The first superconductor was discovered in

the copper oxide group. Since then, critical

temperatures of discovered copper oxide

. Copper oxide contains rare earth

elements such as lanthanum , yttrium , and

scandium , all of which, like other rare earth

elements, are seldom found in concentrated

make a superconductor with copper oxide that

contains these elements is costly, and uniform

produced.

Recently, iron-based compounds have drawn

attention as superconductor materials due to

the fact that iron is cheaper and easier to work

with. Iron-based superconductors can be largely

superconductor consists of iron and pnictogen,

a compound of group 15 elements

such as phosphorus , arsenic , antimony

, and bismuth

superconductor consists of iron and chalcogen,

a compound of group 16 elements

such as sulfur , selenium , and tellurium

. Of particular note is that there have been

a series of attempts to achieve higher critical

temperature for superconductivity by altering

the electro-magnetic property of iron-based

compounds with added electrons or holes by

means of doping of a trace of impurities.

to describe the mechanism of high-temperature

superconductivity concentrating on copper

are the findings of relevant studies at the

Institute for Basic Science .

Band Structure, Fermi Surfaces, and the

Superconductive Gap

High-temperature superconductors should

be explained with a new theory instead of

the previous BCS theory. From the time

when Kamerlingh Onnes first discovered

conventional superconductivity in 1911 to

the announcement of the BCS theory that

described the phenomenon, there had to

be many experimental results. Likewise, in

order to identify the mechanism of high-

temperature superconductors, sufficient

experimental data are essential to provide clues

towards development of a theory that can

accumulated information on Fermi surfaces,

band structures, and superconductive gaps

by means of angle-resolved photoemission

spectroscopy , scanning tunneling

microscope , and infrared spectroscopy.

electrons in solid matter using the photoelectric

of electrons when light with a certain level

of energy is shone onto a solid material, and

measuring the kinetic energy and momentum

of the photoelectron reveals the original state of

the electrons in the material.

oxide superconductors, the band structure and

shape of Fermi surfaces of superconductors

Angle-resolved photoemission

spectroscopy: This method

measures kinetic energy

and momentum of the

produced electrons when

light of a certain energy level

is shown. From this, the

original state of the electrons

in a superconductor can be

identified – a methodology for

superconductivity study.

© Wikimedia

An illustration of a

superconductivity study:

Artist’s conception of an

X-ray laser beam and

magnetic pulses applied to a

superconductor to observe

the motion of electrons in the

superconductor at Stanford

Linear Accelerator Center

(SLAC) National Accelerator

Laboratory. © SLAC National

Accelerator Laboratory

In 1986, a high-temperature superconductor was discovered. Following

the copper oxide groups, iron-based superconductors were found in

2008. High-temperature superconductivity cannot be described with

the existing BCS theory; scientists around the world have been working

hard to understand the fundamental principles behind the phenomenon.

Recently, the Center for Correlated Electron Systems (CCES, Director

NOH Tae Won) at IBS has made formulation of a unified theory for iron-

based superconductors more likely, and has also successfully observed

the Cooper pairs of high-temperature superconductors at the level of

atoms. The IBS researchers are at the frontline in solving the theoretical

riddle of high temperature superconductivity.

The first superconductor was discovered in the copper oxide group. Since

then, critical temperatures of discovered copper oxide superconductors

have risen to 135K (138℃ below zero). Copper oxide contains rare earth

elements such as lanthanum (La), yttrium (Y), and scandium (Sc), all of which,

like other rare earth elements, are seldom found in concentrated form – a

disadvantage in terms of cost; to make a superconductor with copper oxide

that contains these elements is costly, and uniform performance is difficult

to maintain when mass produced.

Photon source Energy analyser

hv e-

Sample

UHV - Ultra High Vacuum(p < 10-7 mbar)

1312


1312


Director at IBS-CCES, band structure shows

the correlation, in graph rendering, between

the energy and momentum of electrons in solid

matter. The band is an area where electrons

exist, and the Fermi level is the highest when

occupied by electrons from the lowest energy

momentum of electrons, plotting of the Fermi

levels shows the Fermi surface. Electrons in the

vicinity of Fermi levels play a critical role in

the phenomenon of superconductivity because

the motion of electrons on the Fermi surfaces

creates Cooper pairs. It is known that copper

oxide superconductors have quite large Fermi

surfaces.

When two electrons near the Fermi level form

a Cooper pair, their energy level drops and

a lower energy level than the electrons moving

are superconductive at low temperatures.

principle of superconductivity focus on how

the Cooper pairs are formed. One decisive clue

that leads to the answer is the symmetry of

superconductive gaps. Superconductive gaps

refer to energy gaps, or the energy difference

between the state when two electrons form the

Cooper pair and the other state when they fail

the superconductive gap is energy necessary

for the Cooper pair to be broken back to two

normal electrons. In other words, the Cooper

pairs are confined in “walls,” as long as there

is no energy input higher than the energy level

needed for the pairs to be broken. Moreover,

the required energy input will vary depending

on the breaking direction of the Cooper pairs.

gaps can vary according to this direction,

which is referred to as the symmetry of the

superconductive gaps.

The symmetry of the superconductive gaps has

significance as it provides information on the

medium of Cooper pairs. For example, if the

constant in any direction, the gap symmetry

is referred to as an s-wave, which means that

the medium of the Cooper is very likely a

phonon. Therefore, the gap symmetry of a

low-temperature superconductor in which

phonons are the media of the Cooper pairs is

an s-wave. In contrast, the gap symmetry of a

high-temperature superconductor is a d-wave,

of the gap can alternate between becoming

larger and smaller, with the phase sign of the

gap function along the Fermi surfaces altering

4 times. Changyoung Kim said, “The fact

that the gap symmetry of a high-temperature

superconductor is a d-wave means it is very

likely that the medium of the Cooper pairs in

the high-temperature superconductor is spin

Copper Oxide and Iron-Based Compounds

– Separately or Together

I n b o t h c o p p e r ox i d e a n d o f i ro n -

based compounds, the high-temperature

superconductors are magnetic materials. The

first stage of the doping process begins with

antiferromagnetic materials, then turns into

conductors, and then into a state of being

superconductive. During their research,

scientists break this superconductivity by raising

temperatures or the strength of a magnetic

field. Sometimes researchers also observe

superconductors becoming superconductive by

oxide high-temperature superconductors

can be divided into two categories: a group

of electron-doped superconductors in which

electrons are added and another group of

hole-doped superconductors in which holes

are added. Electrons cannot easily be added

or subtracted; instead, electrons or holes are

added by replacing chemical elements. The

crystal structures and critical temperatures of

electron-added copper oxide superconductors

are different from those of their hole-added

counterparts, with the critical temperatures of

.

KIM Changyoung, Associate

Director, Center for Correlated

Electron Systems (CCES)

Change in critical temperature

in accordance with the level of

doping to an iron-pnictogen

superconductor. For bulk

doping (element replacing

methods), the higher the

doping concentrations, the

lower the critical temperature

for superconductivity

becomes, whereas for surface

doping (alkali-metal surface

deposition methods), higher

critical temperatures have

been achieved despite poor

nesting conditions.

Jinho LEE, Visiting

Research Fellow, CCES

(Professor, Dept. of

Physics & Astronomy,

Seoul National

University).

Changyoung Kim said, “The fact that the gap symmetry of

a high-temperature superconductor is a d-wave means it is

very likely that the medium of the Cooper pairs in the high-

temperature superconductor is spin fluctuation.”

According to Jinho Lee at IBS-CCES, the superconductive gap is energy

necessary for the Cooper pair to be broken back to two normal electrons. In

other words, the Cooper pairs are confined in “walls,” as long as there is no

energy input higher than the energy level needed for the pairs to be broken.

Moreover, the required energy input will vary depending on the breaking

direction of the Cooper pairs. Consequently, the size of superconductive

gaps can vary according to this direction, which is referred to as the

symmetry of the superconductive gaps.

100

80

60

40

20

0

Bulk doping level (%)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Tem

per

atur

e (K

)

AFM

K coverage (ML)

SC

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5

qx( /a)

surface doping

OV

OP

OPD

Tc = 0K

Tc = 24K

Tc = 40K

bulk doping

c (a.

u)

OP

OPD

1.0

0.5

0.0

0.0 0.5 1.0

*Bulk doping : element replacing methods

1514


1514


that the nesting conditions, which had been

do with the superconductivity of iron-pnictide

compound superconductors. In an iron-pnictide

compound, two different Fermi surfaces are

observed, and in the past, most researchers

believed that, if the two surfaces are similar in

shape and dimension ,

this would make it easier for Cooper pairs to

form, and thus make it more likely to achieve

higher critical temperatures. However, the team

has observed that even with two significantly

different Fermi surfaces ,

critical temperatures can be higher.

finding states that for an iron-chalcogenide

compound superconductor such as FeSe,

higher critical temperatures were achieved

even under poor nesting conditions, and now,

such a tendency has been confirmed with

an iron-pnictide compound superconductor.

This recent finding has paved the way to the

formulation of a universal theory that describes

the superconductivity of both iron-chalcogenide

and iron-pnictide compound superconductors

with the same principle.” The team’s research

Cooper Pairs Directly Observed

To date, there is no firmly established theory

that completely explains high-temperature

In the group of iron-based high-temperature

superconductors, the number of types of

iron-pnictide compounds is much greater

than that of iron-chalcogenide compounds.

For superconductors of iron-chalcogenide

compounds, i ron-se lenium compound

physicists believe that spin fluctuation is the

medium of the Cooper pairs that explains iron-

iron-based high-temperature superconductor

temperatures as high as 100K, and with

bulk materials, at 56K at most. Researchers

have been studying these iron-based high-

superconductivity. Many physicists believe

that electrons form Cooper pairs with spin

superconductors. Yet, some claim that

electrons develop a pure correlation without

any medium. Others argue that phonons, i.e.,

lattice vibrations, are involved in the process.

high-temperature superconductivity requires an

understanding of how the Cooper pairs form at

high critical temperatures.

and STM, the superconductive gaps and band

structures of high-temperature superconductors,

focusing on a single electron breaking away

from the Cooper pair. For example, by

measuring the band structure of broken

electrons, with no Cooper pairs involved, they

have worked indirectly on some hypotheses

bases on the theory.

Recent outcomes of research show that direct

observation has been made of the Cooper pairs,

the essence in understanding the mechanism

of high-temperature superconductors. The

Jinho Lee and Prof. Séamus Davis research

teams successfully measured the “Cooper-pair

density wave,” on the atomic level, in a high-

temperature superconductor for the first time,

which they published in the online edition of

low-temperature superconductors that have

a uniform distribution of Cooper pairs, high-

temperature superconductors through electron-

or hole-doping methods.

The research team led by Changyoung Kim

has succeeded in achieving higher critical

temperatures by introducing a new electron-

doping method that deposits atoms of potassium

and sodium on the surface

of an iron-arsenic compound superconductor

that belongs to an iron-pnictide compound

group. Previously, for doping superconductors,

researchers mostly used a method that involves

method, however, has a drawback in that it

agitates free electrons in the compound leading

of the performance of superconductors.

Hence, a method was devised of only using

doped electrons without adding atoms. This

method was only used with iron-chalcogenide

compounds as they are easier to be deposited.

The research team applied this trick, for the

first time, to an iron-pnictide compound

superconductor, and they dramatically raised its

Tc to 41.5K from 24K

.

Moreover, with the new findings from

measuring the momentum and kinetic

energy of electrons on the surface of an iron-

pnictide compound superconductor with

temperature superconductors have an irregular

distribution, so it has been predicted that they

have a “Cooper-pair density wave.”

Using STM and the Josephson effect, the

teams measured the space distribution of the

Cooper pairs in atom-resolution for the first

time. STM is a microscope that can observe

the structure of atoms that make up a material,

more precise than nanometer level in accuracy.

probe and a nano-scale copper oxide high-

temperature superconductor ,

and put the probe at a distance of less than

one nanometer to the surface of the same kind

of superconductor, vacuum, superconductor so

of this experiment. The Josephson effect is a

of superconductor—nonconductor —

superconductor is formed, where electrical

pairs between the two superconductors.

Jinho Lee said, “It was a breakthrough in the

study of high-temperature superconductivity

through newly-devised experimental techniques

to measure Cooper pairs directly.” He added,

“Later on, I want to directly observe the

Cooper pairs in other materials, including iron-

based high-temperature superconductors, and

also wish to observe, in high resolution, the

spin degree of freedom at the atomic-level.

Ultimately, I hope to identify the mechanism

of high-temperature superconductors, by

measuring information relevant to high-

temperature superconductivity such as

the electron degree of freedom, electron

pairs, and the spin degree of freedom, and

by understanding the correlation between

them.” Once we come to deeply understand

the phenomenon of high-temperature

superconductivity, we may discover room

temperature superconductors of higher critical

power transmission and magnetic levitation

facilities. IBS will certainly contribute to creating

a new world through superconductors.

Changyoung Kim said, “A previous research finding states that for an

iron-chalcogenide compound superconductor such as FeSe, higher

critical temperatures were achieved even under poor nesting conditions,

and now, such a tendency has been confirmed with an iron-pnictide

compound superconductor. This recent finding has paved the way to the

formulation of a universal theory that describes the superconductivity

of both iron-chalcogenide and iron-pnictide compound superconductors

with the same principle.” The team’s research findings were published in

the online edition of Nature Materials on August 16, 2016.

Jinho Lee said, “Later on, I want to directly observe the Cooper pairs in other

materials, including iron-based high-temperature superconductors, and also

wish to observe, in high resolution, the spin degree of freedom at the atomic-

level. Ultimately, I hope to identify the mechanism of high-temperature

superconductors, by measuring information relevant to high-temperature

superconductivity such as the electron degree of freedom, electron pairs,

and the spin degree of freedom, and by understanding the correlation

between them.” Once we come to deeply understand the phenomenon of

high-temperature superconductivity, we may discover room temperature

superconductors of higher critical temperatures, and thus commercialize no-

loss power transmission and magnetic levitation facilities.

An illustration of a copper

oxide high-temperature

superconductor in which the

“Cooper-pair density waves”

change periodically. In the

picture, the blue arrow pairs

that face opposite directions

are the Cooper pairs. More

densely formed Cooper-pair

rows and less densely formed

Cooper-pair rows appear

alternately. © Brookhaven

National Laboratory

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1716


Superconductors Usher in a New World

Superconductors that work at extremely low temperatures (lower

than 200℃ below zero) have begun to be applied to industries. So

far, this has occurred only on a limited basis due to the cost

of cooling, in areas such as expensive medical equipment or

research equipment for projects receiving significant funding.

High-temperature superconductors with higher critical

temperatures have gradually been commercialized, and the

phenomenon of superconductivity seems to be on the rise

towards changing our lives and the world.

Superconductors have been the focus of

general public. They have frequently appeared

in science-fiction films, such as Back to the

glance, people may think of these hoverboards

only as tiny “aircraft” with tiny engines that

cause them to move about rather freely. But

airborne hoverboards are equipped with

room temperature superconductors. The

remain airborne thanks to room temperature

superconductors.

Of course, this all sounds like a wild dream.

When you talk too long on your smartphone,

your ear gets hot; cooling fans hum from

your laptop as they emit hot air. But if room

temperature superconductors can be used

in smartphones and laptop computers, hot

smartphones and cooling fans may become

things of the past.

Initial Applications: from MRI to Nuclear

Fusion Experimental Equipment

The first discovery of superconductivity was

made over a century ago when a Dutch scientist

with liquid helium. Superconductivity,

life. When an electric current flows, the

resistance causes friction and thus generates

heat. With superconductors, such heat may

no longer occur. Then long phone calls won’t

heat up your smartphone. The same goes for

electric wires. Electricity generated by power

plants travels long distances through power

of energy due to resistance of the cable. It is

estimated that over KRW 1 trillion worth of

electricity evaporates during transmission.

environment.

The question is temperature. To achieve

extremely low temperatures for superconductivity,

superconductors have initially been used, rather

than in everyday life, in other areas such as

magnetic resonance imaging equipment,

the Large Hadron Collider used to find

the Higgs boson, and nuclear fusion reactors

considered a dream energy source.

The magnetic levitation “hoverboard” in the movie

Back to the Future can now be realized with room

temperature superconductors. © Universal Studios

The first discovery of superconductivity was made over a century ago when a

Dutch scientist discovered zero electrical resistance in mercury when it was

cooled down to 4.3K (270℃ below zero) with liquid helium. Superconductivity,

i.e., zero resistance, can be useful in everyday life.

By WON Ho-seop, Reporter, Maeil Business Newspaper

1918


1918


With the advent of high-temperature

superconductors, superconducting cables that

can transmit electricity without loss have become

The power industry has focused its efforts on

technology,” where higher voltage applied to an

equal capacity of power transmission means less

current value, thus leading to less power loss.

cables, this paradigm will change. With no

electrical resistance in the system, there will be

MRI applies electromagnetic waves through a

patient placed within a very strong magnetic

field. These electromagnetic waves resonate

with the atomic nuclei of hydrogen in the

patient to create an internal image of the

body. Changes in the magnetic field allow us

to observe the internal state without having to

expose people to radiation. Superconductors are

the only way to create such a powerful magnetic

of electric current can be applied to generate a

superconductivity in the course of the discovery

of the Higgs boson. The LHC is a particle

accelerator that can accelerate protons to

no need to increase voltage, nor to construct

transmission towers to that end.

In May of this year, Seonam, a manufacturer

of high-temperature superconductive wire

materials, announced that it would participate

in KEPCO’s superconductive power cable

cables , and

will be completed next year. Superconductive

electric cables are based on the phenomenon of

collide at the speed of light. Very strong

from colliding with the wall in the doughnut-

shaped tunnel. The LHC has more than 1,600

superconductive magnets installed that are

made of superconductors and weighing over 27

tons in total.

There is s t i l l a long way to go before

do with superconductivity: a nuclear fusion

power generator. This involves a plasma state

that separates atomic nuclei from electrons at

extremely high temperatures. For plasma, the

temperatures can reach over 100 million degrees

hold it is almost impossible. Studies have been

carried out on holding plasma in a magnetic

International Thermonuclear Experimental

Reactor is under construction in France,

fusion to the test.

High-Temperature Superconductor

Cables, Superconductor Fault Current

Limiters, and Wind Power Generators

Currently, liquid helium is used to cool

down superconductors. Thirty years ago,

superconductivity in perovskite, part of the

1986. Since then, as superconductivity at 90K

or higher has been observed, expectations

(and still at

, the difference is huge:

now, nitrogen can be used as a coolant instead

of helium. The boiling point of liquid nitrogen

is 77K, and nitrogen is abundant in the air.

element has good mobility, now is the time to

use them outside laboratories as well.

Magnetic resonance

imaging (MRI) equipment

utilizes superconductors.

Superconductors are in use

that still need liquid helium to

reach the necessary extremely

low temperatures.

Superconductive wire materials developed by

Seonam. Seonam is participating in a superconductive

power cable construction project between Singal and

Heungdeok substations. © Seonam

Superconductors are used to

create an artificial star in South

Korea. The picture shows

the Korean Superconducting

Tokamak Advanced Research

(KSTAR) under development

by the National Fusion

Research Institute. © National

Fusion Research Institute

Superconductive electric cables are based on

the phenomenon of superconductivity, and boast

a power loss that is about 1/10 of conventional

cables. Currently, superconductive cables have

been installed and are in pilot operation, but

mostly in the US and Europe.

A superconductive cable developed by LS

Cable & System. The company is participating

in a project on Jeju to develop superconductive

cables. © LS Cable & System

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2120


superconductivity, and boast a power loss that is

about 1/10 of conventional cables. Currently,

superconductive cables have been installed and

are in pilot operation, but mostly in the US

and Europe. Seonam plans to work on a 5-km

length of 1-km superconductive cables, but at

least 5 km is necessary to extend the system to

everyday use.

Fault current limiters are also likely candidates

superconductors, following electrical cables.

These are safety devices that limit fault currents

when something unexpected happens in

the system. The limiter can instantly detect

excessive current that may be induced by

lightning or disconnection, and turns the fault

into normal current in less than 0.0001 seconds,

preventing the power system from failing and

large-scale power blackouts. In its normal state,

the superconductor fault current limiter has

superconductor becomes an ordinary conductor

that instantly limits the excessive current.

Germany and the US are already using these

limiters.

If superconductors can establish reliability for

application in fault current limiters, then what

will be next? It may sound rather unbelievable,

but the industry predicts that wind power

generators are the likely candidates. Unlike

ordinary generators, for wind power generators,

weight and dimensions matter. The larger and

heavier the wind power generator becomes,

the higher the installation costs, and the more

restrictions on area selection. Moreover, the

blades of a wind turbine, which presently rotate

slowly, can have their torque increased with

superconductors applying a strong magnetic

The industry expects that the worldwide

market for superconductive power cables will

grow to USD 700 million annually by 2025,

when superconductors begin to be widely

introduced. Once reliability and stability are

firmly established, the market is expected to

in superconductive cables will certainly invite

other applications in areas such as fault current

limiters and wind power generators, to say the

least.

A Dream of MagLev Boards and Quantum

Computers

Scientific breakthroughs sometimes occur by

accident. Room temperature superconductors

can be discovered at any moment, leading

people to experience radical changes in their

replaced with superconducting cables, which

will also be conveniently applied to magnetic

levitation boards as well as quantum computers,

whose exceptional computing speeds will

exceed 100 million times those of conventional

supercomputers. Digital computers use

strings of 0’s and 1’s as units of information,

but quantum computers take a ‘qubit’ as

a unit of quantum information using the

‘overlapping phenomenon.’ The application of

superconductors in a quantum computer that

the Josephson element (an electronic element derived

.

Manufacturing of MagLev trains may also

become easier. Very strong electromagnets

are essential to lift a train weighing hundreds

requires an enormous amount of electricity, and

is accompanied by heat and inevitable power

loss. With room temperature superconductors,

however, magnetic levitation trains can travel

without energy loss or noise. Just place the train

above the superconductors. Countries such as

Japan and Germany have already developed

MagLev trains and put them into trial

operations, but this comes with an expensive

room temperature superconductors could be

reality ships powered by strong magnetic forces,

electricity storage equipment, and buildings

that could drastically reduce their power

consumption.

Scientists still say there is much more about

superconductivity that they do not know than

what they know now. Superconductivity has

yet to reveal its full dimensions, and remains

a mystery of physics. Yet, people continue to

mull over how to use it to the best of present

capability. Little by little, a revolution in

superconductivity is taking place. In the near

future, house owners may no longer worry

about electrical charges while using a quantum

computer equipped with superconducting

technology to control wind power turbines or

solar panels on the roof.

Unlike ordinary generators, for wind power generators,

weight and dimensions matter. The larger and heavier the

wind power generator becomes, the higher the installation

costs, and the more restrictions on area selection. Moreover,

the blades of a wind turbine, which presently rotate slowly,

can have their torque increased with superconductors

applying a strong magnetic field.

The JR Central L0 Series

superconducting MagLev train

on a trial run at the Yamanashi

test track in Japan. On April 21,

2015, it recorded the world’s

fastest test speed of 603 km/h.

© Wikimedia

A Josephson junction element.

With this element, both ultra high

performance laptop computers and

quantum computers will become

available in the future. © Wikimedia

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PARK Jeong Young, Associate Director of the Center for Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions, Professor at KAIST

A catalyst is a key substance that speeds up a chemical reaction, and is required in

many chemical processes such as refining petroleum and synthesizing plastics as well

as in chemical applications such as hydrogen fuel cells and artificial photosynthesis

systems. Scientists are investigating the principles behind the catalytic mechanisms

to develop high-performance catalysts. Directing his attention to “hot (high energy)

electrons” as a key to the secrets of catalysts and catalysis, Associate Director PARK

Jeong Young of the IBS Center for Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions (Director RYOO

Ryong) is pioneering a new field called “catalytronics.” We sat down with Professor Park

for an interview at the Graduate School of Energy, Environment, Water and Sustainability (EEWS) of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

Pioneering a New Field of Study “Catalytronics” with “Hot Electrons”

“I have studied surface science over the past two

decades and during the course of my research,

hot electrons caught my attention. Electrons

turn into hot electrons when they absorb energy

and shift to an excited state on a catalyst surface.

I hope to pioneer a new field of study called

‘catalytronics’ by working with hot electrons.”

While serving as a professor at the Graduate

He was appointed to the position of associate

studies nanoscience and chemical reactions

using basic science to find comprehensive

solutions for environmental and energy issues

that threaten future generations. The research

group led by Park focuses on investigating

the chemical and physical characteristics of

chemical reactions, primarily those of surface

chemical reactions.

More recently, the research group led by Park

electrons generated on the surface of a catalytic

nanodiode, successfully fabricated the world’s

first graphene-based catalytic nanodiode, and

became the first research team to detect hot

electrons at a liquid interface. Let us take a look

at Park’s achievements to date and his plan

Taking Notice of Electrons Generated

and Dissipated in One Quadrillionth of a

Second

Every substance has a surface. Surface science is

and physical characteristics of surface chemical

reactions at the atomic level. Park became

fascinated by the scanning tunneling microscope

, an instrument used in surface science

by Professor KUK Young, a leading authority

in nanoscience and STM, during his Ph. D.

of the reasons I was intrigued by the STM was

that it was a great tool for understanding the

world of atoms, knowledge that belongs to the

domain of basic science. But I was more excited

by STM applications that allowed us to get to

non-optical microscope that works by applying

a small voltage between the sharp probe tip and

the surface of a sample to cause electrons to

over the surface, it registers variations in the

tunneling current, and this information can be

processed to provide a topographical image of

the surface down to the atomic level.

Park began his postdoctoral research in 1999

at the University of Maryland in the United

structure of metal surfaces and to understand

the U.S. Department of Energy in 2002, Park

investigated what lowers frictional forces on

quasicrystal surfaces and the electrical origin of

Science in 2005 and

researcher in the field of surface chemistry

and catalysis and Professor at the University

of California, Berkeley. “It was the first time

I was introduced to the fact that hot electrons

are generated during a catalytic reaction, and I

“I have studied surface science over the past two

decades, and during the course of my research

I noticed hot electrons. Electrons turn into hot

electrons when they absorb energy and shift to

an excited state on a catalyst surface. I hope to

pioneer a new field of study called ‘catalytronics’

by working with hot electrons.”

©K

AIS

T

2524

FOCUS INTERVIEW 7th Issue | 2016 2nd

relationship between hot electrons and surface

plasmons (quasiparticles that resonate locally with light in

,

shedding light on principles that help increase

he explored ways to control catalytic activities

with hot electrons.

February 2015, the research group led by Park

directly detect hot electrons generated on the

surface of a catalytic nanodiode and measure

the chemicurrents generated on the surface

during nanocatalysis. The result was published

in Angewandte Chemie

nanodiode is a device whose surface, consisting

of a layer of gold film on a semiconductor,

is evenly deposited with catalytic nanodiode

particles. The research team developed a new

catalytic nanodiode that enables real-time

monitoring of chemical reactions on the surface

of a nanocatalyst and successfully confirmed

that hot electrons generated on the surface of a

measured as chemicurrents.

Park’s group continued its success this year,

researching hot electrons. The team successfully

fabricated a graphene-based catalytic nanodiode

for precision monitoring of hot electrons on

platinum nanoparticles and published the

of Nano Lettersin the world to successfully detect hot electrons

during catalysis at a liquid interface and

measure chemicurrents by mixing a metallic

nanocatalyst with a hydrogen peroxide solution.

The result was published in the July 4, 2016

online edition of Angewandte Chemie as the cover

article, in recognition for its significance. The

team’s success shows that Park’s research of hot

electron is creative and inimitable. “I felt a great

sense of accomplishment after going though the

process, from designing the research with four

to getting the desired result,” said Park on their

success.

Park was able to confirm three things: First,

chemicurrents are generated during a

chemical reaction, both in the vapor and liquid

states. Second, hot electrons are generated by

light. Third, it is possible to control catalytic

reactions with hot electronics once they are

generated by light. “Our goal is to understand

the electrical origin of chemical reactions by

investigating hot electrons and, ultimately, to

control chemical reactions electrically,” said Park.

Interdisciplinary and “Convergence”

Research that Encompasses Artificial

Photosynthesis to Frictional Forces

Park’s research area extends to artificial

energy and the environment. In 2014, he

developed a mechanism to increase the

efficiency of artificial photosynthesis (a chemical

process that replicates the natural process of photosynthesis, which

converts water into hydrogen and oxygen using catalysts that

by fabricating titanium dioxide,

a photocatalyst, into a hierarchical porous

It was selected as the cover article for the

Advanced Materials Interface. Park says that he employs the concept

of hot electrons in his research on photocatalysis

and photosynthesis as well. He added, “When

we force the generation of hot electrons on

the interface of a photoelectrochemical cell,

which reacts to light energy and initiates

photosynthesis, the hot electrons further activate

photoreactions.”

Park’s primary fields of research are largely

divided into four areas: hot electrons and

nanodiodes, catalysis, surface chemistry

and scanning probe microscopy . SPM

refers to all types of microscopic instruments

fitted with an electrical probe tip, such as the

aforementioned STM and the atomic force

“The greatest challenge

faced by surface science

is to overcome the ‘gap in

materials’ and the ‘gap in

pressure levels,’” says Park.

Images illustrating Park’s

research, featured in

Angewandte Chemie (2016

June) and Nano Letters (2016

February). He was recognized

for the world’s first direct

detection of hot electrons

during solid-liquid interface

catalysis.

Park plans to investigate the

mechanisms behind chemical

reactions on nanomaterials to

understand the mechanisms

at atomic-scale.

instantly became fascinated,” commented Park

on the experience. “I thought hot electrons was

a brand new field and immediately dove into

oxidation reaction of carbon monoxide on the

surface of platinum nanoparticles. The team

succeeded at detecting hot electrons, which

were measured as chemicurrents.

Hot electrons are generated momentarily on the

surface of a catalyst during a chemical reaction

and dissipate in a femtosecond (one quadrillionth of a

. Free electrons on the surface of a catalyst

absorb the chemical energy from the chemical

reaction or external light energy and shift to an

excited state. The research group led by Park

sees hot electrons as the key element in catalytic

mechanisms and is hard at work to detect and

“Hot electrons are generated on the surface

when chemical or photo energy reaches the

surface by the energy conversion process.

We are the first team in the world to present

a comprehensive approach to research that

links the generation of hot electrons to energy

conversion. We call it ‘hot electron chemistry’.”

Based on this approach, Park also coined the

term “catalytronics” by combining the words

“catalysis” and “electronics.” He underscored

the importance of using proper terms and

coining new terms: “If you are in a position to

create proper terms. I am the first one to use

these terms to describe chemical reactions.”

Park added, “Hot electrons are a revolutionary

and interdisciplinary concept that integrates

chemistry, chemical engineering, electronic

engineering and material engineering.”

Establishing an Unrivaled Position in Hot

Electron Research

electron research. In 2011 alone, he led a

2726


microscope . He explained, “These four

areas are closely interconnected with each other.

For example, how the probe tip of an SPM

applies energy is similar to how light

energy is delivered to the surface of different

substances.”

where Park currently serves as professor, strives

for interdisciplinary research; his research

lab naturally attracts students from diverse

backgrounds. “Thanks to the interdisciplinary

research environment, we can run four

different research programs at the lab.” He

good chance of excelling in hot electron and

nanodiode research, while chemical engineering

good grasp of the STM.”

During his tenure at the Lawrence Berkeley

two research papers on frictional force in

Science. His subsequent research

on frictional forces has produced impressive

outcomes. For instance, in 2011 after he began

frictional forces on the surface of graphene and

demonstrated by experiment the presence of a

was also published in Scienceit is possible to “reduce frictional forces by

coating the surface with graphene, down to one

fourth of the surface frictional force of silicon

dioxide.” He added, “This finding may lead

to highly efficient nanodevices such as nano-

actuators.” Park is currently studying how

frictional forces change when water is deposited

under a layer of graphene. He is currently

preparing to publish the results from one of

his experiments in which the team deposited a

single atomic layer of graphene on mica (one of

and trapped water in

between to see how that condition affects the

frictional forces of the water.

Frictional force is Park’s favorite topic for public

Public Library under the title, “The Strange

World of Electrons,” which was followed by the

lectures “Why is it so slippery? Uncomfortable

Library in 2014 and “Why is it so slippery?

Remarkable Facts about Friction” at the

high and high school students as his audience.

He rarely declines a request for a public lecture.

he talks about science with an audience of

importantly, Park believes that giving a public

lecture is part of his obligations as a researcher

whose work is supported by government

funding.

Developing New and Creative Research

Topics in New Fields of Study

Park replied, “I felt that the IBS would offer

an excellent environment that accommodates

my research plans and interests and that allows

me to focus on specific research topics.” For

his work in surface science, Park started with

monocrystals, whose crystal lattice is continuous

and unbroken to the edges to form a single

crystal with no grain boundaries, and ultra-

high vacuum, the conditions in which almost

no matter is present. He later moved onto

hot electrons and surface analysis at normal

world engaged in studying surface science, Park

named the research team lead by Professor

Institute of the Max Planck Society and the UC

among overseas research groups. He also

mentioned the Dalian Institute of Chemical

Physic , the affiliate of the Chinese

are most active in surface chemistry research.

On the relationship with overseas research

in competition with these teams because we

share the same field of research. But in most

cases, we collaborate with each other.” He

added, “Hot electrons and related work is the

unique advantage we have over other groups.” “I

what makes our work unique and distinctive.

I always explore ways to create a huge impact

Park is also interested in interacting with young

students and scientists. He currently serves as

a member of the international committee for

an opportunity to meet and talk science with

“In the event, students presented posters they

created on a topic of their choice including

chemical bonds, quantum computing, and

genomic medicine. I was really impressed by

their creativity and presentation skills.” He

ideas, inspired by the flexible thinking and

creativity of the students.

title, “How Surface Science Can Contribute

to Solving Global Energy and Environmental

laureate in chemistry, as the guest of honor.

During the lively discussion, one of the

participants asked whether surface science

is contributing to advances in artificial

photosynthesis, electro chemistry and fuel

cells. Professor Park answered that researchers

need to study the characteristics of surfaces

in the liquid state or under conditions of

normal pressure to make more contributions.

His comment was an argument against the

conventional practice of studying surfaces in

ultra-high vacuum chambers, underscoring the

need to overcome the gap in pressure levels and

conduct surface research at normal pressure.

Park argues that the greatest challenge faced

by surface science is overcoming the gap

in materials and the gap in pressure levels.

“For several decades, researchers have only

experimented with monocrystals. Clearly, a huge

gap exists between this simple substance and the

complex substances used in real-life processes

and reactions. Researchers are also beginning

to abandon ultra-high vacuum chambers and

opting for normal pressure when studying

surface reactions, which also presents another

gap that needs to be overcome.” In other

words, researchers nowadays are working with

more complex substances like nanoparticles,

additives, oxidants, and surfactant, and are

trying to understand the physical properties of

the surfaces and changes in the surface chemical

reaction at conditions closer to real life, such as

in the liquid state or at normal pressure.

“Thanks to our work in catalytronics with a

focus on hot electrons, we were able to establish

ourselves as a research group that stands out

for its creativity.” He added, “My ultimate goal

is to develop hot electrons into an established

field of study. To make this possible, we need

to understand the chemical mechanisms of hot

electrons at the atomic level through surface

analysis at normal pressure.” It seems that Park’s

ongoing interest in creative research topics and

The image featured on the

cover of Chemical Review

in 2015. Park’ researched

hot electron-induced

chemical reactions on metal-

semiconductor nanostructures

Park hosted a breakfast meeting with

Professor Gerhard Ertl as the guest of honor

at the 2013 Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.

Park has given public lectures for middle

and high school students at the Daegu,

Gwangju, and Sejong libraries.

2928


LEE Hyunjae, Research Fellow of the Center for Nanoparticle Research

Young Scientist, Educated and Trained Exclusively in Korea, Takes International Science Community by Storm

Many Korean scientists are leaving the country

in search for more favorable research conditions

rewards. The number one destination for these

scientists is the United States, derisively referred

by the international science community as the

“black hole” that sucks in talented scientists

from developing nations. The trend is so

prevalent that in Korea, an overseas degree or

research experience is considered to be the key

requirement for building a decent career in

research and academia.

, has successfully gone

against conventional practice, completing his

education in Korea (receiving a bachelor’s degree in

University and completing the integrated MS and Ph.D.

while also establishing a

notable presence in the international science

community with exceptional research work.

Ph.D., Dr. Lee is a rising star in the international

science community and has been listed as the

lead author in a number of research papers

Nature Communications and Advanced Materialsholder of two international and five local

patents, Dr. Lee recently published the article,

thermoresponsive microneedles for diabetes

monitoring and therapy” in Nature Nanotechnology in March 2016. What is more impressive is

that all of these achievements came while

Dr. Lee was in the process of completing the

integrated MS and Ph.D. track at a university

in Korea. We sat down with Dr. Lee at the

Institute of Chemical Processes of Seoul

thoughts on the country’s research environment

as a researcher who was educated and trained

exclusively in Korea.

Thirst for Tangible Knowledge

and clouded by exceptions. Order and balance

in chemical interactions intrigued me so much

that I chose to study biochemistry. If someone

told me at the time that I would be monitoring

bio signals with electronic circuits in ten years, I

would have not believed it.”

Throughout the interview conducted in his

achieved thus far was simply a “work of pure

coincidences and unexpected opportunities.”

It may sound as if Dr. Lee is being modest,

considering what he achieved during his

look, however, reveals that his research career

is not without its twist and turns and the

occasional coincidence. For Dr. Lee, the decisive

moment was when his advisor nudged him in

the right direction.

“Science undergraduates who want to advance

of research best suited for them. I decided to

Taeghwan Research and Professor at the Department of chemical and

because

of my interest in material sciences. In his lab,

small semiconductor particles less than several

nanometers in diameter. Just before I advanced

to the third year in the program, Professor

KIM Dae-Hyeong (Research Fellow at the IBS Center

began his professorship at the university, and

lab. It was a turning point that put me on the

path to what I am doing now.”

Perhaps naturally for a scientist who finds

chemistry more interesting than physics, Dr. Lee

has always been attracted to working with visible

and tangible things. Solving a problem or putting

theories into practice was his passion. Quantum

dot synthesis, on the other hand, is invisible both

in terms of its process and outcome and did not

inspire him. Director Hyeon probably saw that

he needed a new direction.

“I have learned so much during my days at

Director Hyeon’s lab. He never tells his students

to pursue the ideas that excite us. Working with

quantum dots, ultra-sensitive nanoparticles, also

helped me acquire technical skills required for

them at the nano level. Still, Professor Kim’s

interesting to me than quantum dot synthesis. I

was given a great opportunity, unexpectedly.”

was a coincidence, his ongoing interest in “useful

knowledge of interest” may have pushed him

course of his research career.

Members of the Center for

Nanoparticle Research. Lee

decided to join the research

lab led by Director HYEON

Taeghwan because of his

interest in material sciences.

3130


Discovering the Joy of Working Together

on a New Found Path

his research disc ipl ine, Dr. Lee faced

considerable hurdles during his early days at

Professor Kim’s lab.

“I had to deal with terms and definitions that

Professor Kim’s instructions. My previous studies

in electrochemistry in college thanks to my interest

in batteries helped. I had to learn everything one

by one, as if I was back in my freshman year in

college or learning a new language.”

His initial struggle was somewhat expected

since Professor Kim’s expertise is in applied

science, primarily dealing with capturing

and recording bio signals with nanodevices.

Researchers assembled at his lab came from

diverse backgrounds, from biochemistry to

electric engineering, mechanical engineering

and material engineering. This meant that he

things. The greatest challenge was, however, that

Lee was one of the inaugural members of a new

research group.

“There was no one in a senior position. Similar

to other workplaces, researchers learn from and

are guided by more experienced researchers

in the same field of research. Unfortunately, I

with no one to give me advice or point me in the

right direction. I had to do everything myself,

hands or spoon-feed graduate students.”

following the lectures and seminars. It was his

empty space with not even a single beaker

in sight.” Dr. Lee had to do everything from

procuring research equipment to deciding the

right power voltage for the facility between two-

or three-phase electrical power and if they need

to install step-up transformers. Plus, he had to

redesign experiment techniques and processes.

“I felt overwhelmed and completely lost. The

greatest pressure was the fact that I had to lead the

group as a senior researcher when I knew nothing

myself. I don’t think I can do it ever again.”

Having no clear path to follow means that you

have freedom to create a totally new path for

yourself. Dr. Lee also credits his initial struggles

for allowing him to learn how to coordinate

community of research professionals.

“Research papers published by our lab have

an exceptionally long byline because a lot of

from a lack of ideas. It is almost impossible to

avoid conflicts in ideas, and that is where the

team leader has to intervene and realign the

impossible to publish so many papers without

the help and cooperation from my colleagues.”

Dr. Lee also expressed his appreciation for

teamwork and collaboration in his interview

with Nature Nanotechnologycollaboration is what enabled his research group

to develop small ideas into a well-functioning

he said that if he had worked alone, it would

have taken much longer to overcome obstacles

and produce desirable outcomes. The title of

the article, “The Joy of Working Together”

also reflected his positive experience with

collaboration.

loud as possible because I wanted to stand

more important to strike a balance with other

sounds and create harmony. I think research

an orchestra led by a conductor but rather

comparable to a string quartet in which players

continuously communicate with each other

through subtle eye contacts to find a balance

and create harmony.”

Collaboration and Engagement – The

Secret to Creative Research Work

Collaboration and engagement is one of the

main reasons why he did not opt for overseas

studies. Being unable to freely communicate

with colleagues seemed to be too great of an

obstacle to overlook for someone like Dr. Lee

who values collaboration and division of work.

“I am constantly asked about going overseas for

research. Having had no overseas experience, it

working in Korea limits my research.”

experience, he also candidly expressed his

opinion on the research environment in Korea.

Dr. Lee began by conceding that his experience

may be an isolated or privileged case as he

has been working together with renowned

scientists such as Director Hyeon and Professor

Kim. For Dr. Lee. The greatest advantage of

working in Korea is that he can work with a

group of competent researchers from various

disciplines, which enables a systematic division

of responsibilities. For instance, his published

work on the graphene-based device for diabetes

monitoring and therapy was carried out in

collaboration with Director Hyeon, Professor

Kim and a research team from the Seoul

dividing between them the multitude of tasks

that ranged from device integration and

application to animal tests. The interdisciplinary

collaboration allowed the team to coordinate

their efforts and complement each other’s

capabilities.

Dr. Lee also noted that such division of work

was more effectively carried out at the IBS,

he can dedicate his time and energy to his own

research.

the IBS, Professor Kim also advised me to work

on any ideas that inspire me, not being afraid of

failure.”

“Great research equipment is one of the

advantages offered by the IBS. Expensive

equipment is usually shared by many different

research labs, which can create unwieldy time

for device synthesis and implementation in a

single location and they are exclusive for our use.

If we wanted, we can get the results back in a

day. I don’t think there would be many research

for our research is lack of ideas, not the lack of

resources or facilities.”

point in his career, he may have to acquire

overseas research experience. It is not because

offer unique knowledge, but because they

present different experiences and networking

opportunities. Change in the environment can

also serve as a fresh inspiration for his research.

“For now, I am only thinking about a short-term

exposure to a different research environment.

It may be that I don’t have strong needs for

overseas experience or that I am afraid of

putting myself into an unfamiliar environment.

I see many colleagues planning to go overseas,

and they put a lot of work into preparation

and have clear ideas about what they want

to do once they get there. But I don t feel

particularly motivated to go abroad because I

have everything I need here, although it would

be interesting to work together with a team of

international colleagues in a different cultural

but it is always exciting to meet and work with

new people as well.”

It is natural to feel reluctant to give up the

comfort of what is known and embrace the

unknown. However, it is easy to imagine Dr.

Lee, who understands the value of a great

ensemble, creating “serendipitous harmony”

who knows? We may hear about Dr. Lee taking

on a great challenge overseas sometime in the

near future.

“For now, I am only thinking about a short-term exposure to a different

research environment. It may be that I don’t have strong needs for

overseas experience or that I am afraid of putting myself into an unfamiliar

environment. I see many colleagues planning to go overseas, and they put

a lot of work into preparation and have clear ideas about what they want to

do once they get there. But I don’t feel particularly motivated to go abroad

because I have everything I need here, although it would be interesting to

work together with a team of international colleagues in a different cultural

environment. It would be definitely challenging, but it is always exciting to

meet and work with new people as well.”

Dr. Lee’s interview featured in Nature Nanotechnology.

In this interview, he underscored the power of

collaboration. ©Nature Nanotechnology

Dr. Lee cited top-of-the-line research facilities

and equipment as the greatest advantage

offered by IBS.

(Left) Multifunctional

endoscope system published

in Nature Commnuncations.

(Right) Graphene-hybrid

electrochemical device for

diabetes monitoring and

therapy published in Nature

Nanotechnology.

3332


Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalizations

Scientists develop iridium-catalyzed C-H borylationof the simplest hydrocarbon, methane

Methane is the most readily available hydrocarbon on earth. Its abundance makes

it an attractive source of energy for future generations. But it requires liquefaction

before it can be used as fuel and this process is not easy. The liquefaction requires

high temperature and pressure, and transporting the liquefied gas entails a very

complicated process. Moreover, during liquefaction, its energy density falls, which

reduces its utility and economic value. This is because methane has a stable structure

consisting of strong bonds. Therefore, activating C-H bonds of methane to be used

in a chemical reaction has been a subject of study and a challenge in chemistry for a

long time. The IBS Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalizations (Director CHANG

Sukbok) suggested iridium as a highly efficient catalytic substance that could sever

these C-H bonds to allow the addition of boron substituents, and identified the reaction

mechanism, using both computational and experimental chemistry. As a result, the

researchers successfully developed catalytic borylation that can activate the C-H

bonds of methane.

Methane as a New Energy Source through Catalytic Borylation

Every year, more than 500 million tons of methane is produced, mainly

drilling and fracking technology advances, the volume has been increasing

each year, making methane a useful energy source for the future. However,

the C-H bonds, which has been a big challenge in chemistry. Unlike other

hydrocarbons, methane has strong and stable C-H bonds, which thus

requires very high amount of energy for decomposition. Worse yet, the

yield ratio for the resulting product from chemical activation remains at 2

Extensive research has been conducted on the decomposition of C-H

bonds in hydrocarbons, especially through catalytic borylation, a method

which activates a chemical reaction by slicing through C-H bonds and

adding boron substituents. But this method has been mostly applied to

aliphatic hydrocarbon or aromatic hydrocarbon, both of which have more

for activating C-H bonds in methane, which has four atoms of hydrogen

connected to one atom of carbon.

used computational chemistry to suggest potential catalytic substances,

catalyst that can trigger the activation of C-H bonds in methane. To

ensure effective experimentation and subsequent verification, this study

was conducted in collaboration with Professor Daniel J. Mindiola of

University of Pennsylvania, who is capable of conducting high-pressure

reaction experiments, and Professor Milton R. Smith III of Michigan State

Existing limitations to using methane as a

source of fuel, and benefits of the C-H bond

activation through the catalytic borylation

conducted by the research team.

Methane is the most available hydrocarbon in nature,

as it can be obtained in great amount from the bodily

emissions of cows or goats, and from crude oil and

shale gas. But methane itself cannot be used as

fuel. It usually combusts away and contributes to

the greenhouse effect. The C-H bonds activation of

methane using the conventional catalytic borylation

required strong oxidants or strong acidic conditions as

the resulting chemical reactions are difficult to control.

Above all, this method was hindered by the problem of

the low yield rate from C-H bonds activation.

·Production of greenhouse gases ·Zero possibility of reaction control

New method of catalytic borylation suggested by the research team

· Development of eco-friendly, low-cost, & high-yield chemical reaction

·Use as an alternative energy source

C-H bond activation substances

· Low possibility of reaction control (Strong oxidants/Strong acidic condition required)

· Compound yields↓

CombustionConventional catalytic

borylation

·High possibility of reaction control

·Compound yields↑

MethaneCrude oil/Shale gasEmissions from

cows/goats

3534

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT 7th Issue | 2016 2nd

Paper published

Mu-Hyun Baik et al., “Catalytic borylation of methane”, Science, 2016,

DOI:10.1126/science.aad9730

Therefore, the research team devised a method of introducing nitrogen-

based 1,10-phenanthroline ligands into the catalytic system, based on

the conventional method of iridium-catalyzed borylation. Then, the team

conducted calculations using the density functional theory and found that

methane has a similar level of activation energy to other hydrocarbons.

Based on the result, a research team led by Professor Mindiola conducted a

follow-up study and obtained a 2-percent yield. Despite the low yield ratio,

analysis based on computational chemistry showed that it is possible to

activate C-H bonds in methane.

Proposed cyclefor the monoborylation of

methane with 1,10-phenanthroline as a

supporting ligand.

Themechanism of methane borylationwas modeled

with density functional theory calculations on the Ir-

phenanthroline system, and the proposed catalytic

cycle is summarized in the figure above.

to its stable structure and low reactivity. Therefore, the key to developing a

attempts had used strong electrophiles or powerful oxidants, which were

not considered suitable for methane due to their excessive costs and the

problem is their poor chemoselectivity, which does not allow the activation

of only the targeted C-H bonds.

Therefore, the research team devised a method of introducing nitrogen-

based 1,10-phenanthroline ligands into the catalytic system, based on the

conducted calculations using the density functional theory and found that

methane has a similar level of activation energy to other hydrocarbons.

Based on the result, a research team led by Professor Mindiola conducted a

follow-up study and obtained a 2-percent yield. Despite the low yield ratio,

analysis based on computational chemistry showed that it is possible to

activate C-H bonds in methane.

The research team suggested using a ligand containing phosphorus, a (hard and soft acids and

. In fact, inducing a chemical reaction using the ligand dmpe

compound in which one C-H bond was substituted. The result successfully

actual experiment.

This study carries great significance as the first successful case for the

C-H borylation of methane, which had remained a difficult challenge.

This study also proved that, by solving the existing problems of poor

hydrocarbons. It also presented the possibility of using methane as a new

source of energy for future generations. The research team now plans

to design a better approach to methane’s C-H activation catalysis, to

replace the expensive transition metal of iridium with a cheaper one, while

allowing activation reactions that require high temperature and pressure to

take place at room temperature and in much lower pressure. This process is

expected to produce a higher yield.

chemistry beyond previous practices, and demonstrated an ideal example

computational chemistry was mainly applied in verifying the findings

of experiments. In contrast, this study used computational chemistry to

generate predictions, and successfully induced chemical reactions which

had been deemed impossible. This process allowed the study to save the

time and money that would have been spent if experiments had been

conducted without computational chemistry-based predictions, and also

of useful feedback. The researchers plan to adopt this new approach to

various molecule-activating catalytic reactions. This paper was published

in Science on March 26, 2016 in recognition of its remarkable academic

achievement.

1/2X

Ir

Ir

Ir

Ir Ir

Ir

Ir

Ir

IrX

N

N

+ 2 R2B—BR2

- XBR2,

BR2

R2B — H

BR2

BR2

H

++

++

H

H

H

H

H

d b

c

N

N

N

N N

N

N

N

N

NN

N

R2B — BR2

H3C — BR2

c-iso-TS

c-iso

b-TS

H3C H3C

CH3

CH3 CH3

BR2

BR2

BR2

BR2

BR2

BR2

BR2

BR2

BR2

BR2BR2

BR2BR2

BR2BR2

BR2

BR2

N

N

a

X = OMe, CI

R2 = pinacolate

+

Computed structures of

catalytic cycle states in

Fig. 2.

Nonessential hydrogens are

omitted for clarity.

3736


Nanowire Mesh Keeps the Heart Beating

The heart pumps blood throughout the body by constant contraction and

relaxation. Such cardiac activity is induced by the transmission of electrical

signals generated from the sinoatrial node of the heart throughout the organ

via the Purkinje fiber network. The failure to properly transmit electrical

signals in diseased hearts causes problems in their contraction activity,

and ultimately results in heart failure. Currently, there are two treatment

options for this type or heart disorder. One is cardiac resynchronization,

which aims to enhance cardiac function by transmitting electrical signals

directly to both chambers of the heart. The other is cardioplasty, a surgical

procedure to envelope a failing heart in a mesh-structure material in

order to strengthen both chambers and to prevent heart enlargement.

But both therapeutic options have drawbacks. Cardiac resynchronization

is only effective for some patients depending on the affected area, while

cardioplasty has a low rate of long-term survival and can cause side effects

if the mesh wrapping applies excessive pressure.

In order to overcome the limitations of existing treatments, the IBS Center

for Nanoparticle Research (Director HYEON Taeghwan) developed an elasto-

conductive epicardial mesh, which mechanically integrates with the heart.

The device wraps both heart chambers and transmits electrical stimulation

into the organ to help it contract properly regardless of the location of

the lesion. For the device design, the researchers developed a rubber

composite with a high conductivity of over 10,000 S/cm (S refers to the

siemens, the SI unit of electric conductance) by combining a highly conductive and

elastic nanowire with SBS rubber. To raise biocompatibility, gold coating

was used to shield the silver nanowire, which can be toxic. The device

was structured as a mesh resembling the mechanical properties of cardiac

tissue, and was tailored to a 3D-printed heart model. After going through

computer simulation, the completed mesh electrode was then tested on

a rat with myocardial infarction. The results demonstrated that the device

placed no significant strain on the rat’s heart when it relaxed, due to the

resemblance of the device’s mechanical properties to cardiac tissue, and

when the heart contracted, the device reduced inherent wall stress by

sharing the cardiac load. Moreover, the elastic mesh electrode improved

the contracting function of the diseased heart by enveloping the organ and

transmitting electrical stimulation to it. This study is a significant milestone

in advancing treatment for heart diseases.

Paper published

Dae-Hyeong Kim et al., “Electromec

hanical cardioplasty using a wrapped

elasto-conductive epicardial mesh”,

Science Translational Medicine, 2016,

DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aad8568

Center for Nanoparticle Research

Purkinje network

Elasto-conductive mesh

Electrophysiological Conduction

The elastic mesh material was produced by covering a serpentine-structure

PDMS mold with a mixture of silver nanowire and SBS rubber, which is then dried.

Bottom layer blading Top layer blading

Drying Drying

SBS

PDMSmold LE-AgNW

with SBS

Demold

By employing a serpentine

design, the mesh device

can withstand stretching in

any direction.

150nm

Conductive nanowireElastic SBS rubber

styrene-butadiene-styrene

Gold coating

Stretching (relaxation of the heart)

As SBS rubber become more spaced out, the entire mesh

stretches but maintains electrical conductivity through the

interconnected web of silver nanowires.

Loosening (contraction of the heart)

SBS rubber was relaxed and the sliver nanowires

also become overlapped. Electrical conductivity is

maintained.

Myocardium

150nm

d coating30μm

The mechanical properties

and electrical conductivity

necessary for heart disease

treatment were secured

by mixing materials with

elasticity and conductivity.

To enhance biocompatibility,

the mesh device was

coated with gold.

3938


Last March, people around the world focused on a

series of Go matches held in Seoul. The matches were

played Lee Se-dol, the South Korean Go champion,

against AlphaGo, an artificial intelligence program

developed by the Google subsidiary DeepMind. Over

the course of the closely-contested matches, AlphaGo

consumed 56,000 watts per hour with over 1,200 CPUs,

while the human champion consumed a mere 20 watts

per hour. This huge difference comes from the brilliant

power of intuition inherent in the human brain. The

brain of a human adult weighs between 1.4kg and

1.6kg, with the approximate size of two fists placed

together, which accounts for a very small proportion

of total body weight. Despite its small size, the brain

plays an important role in cognition, emotions, memory,

learning, etc. Since the number of neurons in the

brain is over 10 billion and the number of synapses (a

structure for transmitting signals between neurons) is over 10

trillion, the brain can send signals in any direction and

process information in an instance. Due to this parallel

processing ability, the human brain can process mass

information in an instance. Recently, research has

been underway to pioneer neuromorphic technology,

a computer system imitating such capabilities of the

human brain.

calculations with great speed and accuracy, but fare poorly in terms of

inferring information from unexpected situations as humans do. This is

performs one command at a time rapidly and repeatedly under a separate

memory and processor. Therefore, with this method, it is difficult to

perform the intuitive functions of the human brain, which simultaneously

and formulates an appropriate response accordingly. The “neuromorphic

structure is comprised of a network of neurosynaptic cores, and each core

is comprised of a transistor for performing operations of neurons, and a

memory for performing operations of synapses that transmit signals and

store memories at the connecting part between neurons.

Synapses exist between axons extending from two neurons. These synapses

transmit electrical signals transmitted from a presynaptic neuron through

the axon of the neuron to a postsynaptic neuron’s axon, and at the same

time, the afterimage of the signals remains in the synapses, which is then

stored as a memory. Manufacturing a device to perform the functions of

which has two signal

this structure is called “memristor” and currently, there are two types of

memristors capable of being used as synapses. One is resistive random

access memory , where currents alter electrical resistance, and

Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics

Tunneling Random Access Memory (TRAM), a memory for performing operations of synapses that transmit signals and store memories at the connecting part between neurons

AI Brain Using 2D Nanomaterials

the other is phase change random access memory , which uses

the phase change of materials. However, many obstacles remain in the

changes in properties; and power consumption is high because of the high

memory is comprised of three electrodes to perform

inputting, transmitting and storing signals respectively, there is a structural

limitation to its application to be used as synapses which operate through

Physics developed tunneling random access memory

, a memristor from which the gate electrode is removed and the

remaining two electrodes perform signal transmission and

storage simultaneously.

, a hexagonal boron nitride tunneling insulator, a molybdenum

, and drain and source electrodes.

signals, and the drain and source electrodes input and output signals,

respectively. If voltage is applied to the input electrode

connected to the semiconductor channel, charges are transmitted

of the drain

electrode travel

gate. The charges stored in the floating gate are prevented

Depending on the amount of stored charges , the resistance of the

semiconductor channel is changed. Therefore, the function of a memristor

.

compared to conventional memristors , and an extremely high

signal accuracy , around 1,000 times higher than

the said memristors, while demonstrating highly uniform characteristics

across more than 100,000 signal storage tests. In addition, this research

used two-dimensional nanomaterials with outstanding electrical and

mechanical properties, such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-

, and molybdenum disulfide, as device materials to secure rubber-

like elasticity

Paper published

Woo Jong Yu & Young Hee Lee et al., “Two-terminal floating-gate

memory with van der waals heterostructures for ultrahigh on/off ratio”,

Nature Communications, 2016, DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12725

(Left)An image of the synapse, a structure responsible for transmitting signals

between neurons (brain cells). Signals received from an axon of the first neuron are

transmitted to the dendrite of the next neuron through a synapse, while simultaneously

the afterimage of the signals remains in the synapse and stored as a memory. (Right)

Device structure of the TRAM. Schematic of the two-terminal TRAM with monolayer

MoS2 as a semiconducting channel at the top, h-BN as a tunnelling insulator in the

middle and monolayer graphene as a floating gate, charge tunnelling between drain

and graphene is shown by red arrow.

Presynaptic neuron

Axon terminal

Synaptic vesicle

Synaptic cleft

Postsynaptic neuron

Receptor and ligand gate channel

Neurotransmitters

source

MoS2

drain

©wikimedia

h-BN

Gr

4140


Baicalein inhibits the growth of AOMDSS. induced

colon tumors in MSH2LoxP/LoxPVilCre mice.

AOMDSS was used to induce colon tumors in

MSH2LoxP. LoxPVilCre mice fed a control or baicalein-

supplemented diet. Below pictures are representative

images of H&E staining of colon sections. Scale bar,

200 mm. Data in all panels are shown as mean � SE.

�, P < 0.05, versus control diet by two-tailed Student

t test.

continuous process of cell division, and

genetic toxic chemicals, and ultraviolet light.

causing a genetic mutation to turn many of

them into cancer cells.

In particular, cells in the colon are likely to

turn into cancer cells if a mismatch repair fails

process. Mismatch repair is the process of

correcting a base pair error by removing the

cells caused by mismatch repair deficiency

demonstrate greater resistance against

Therefore, developing the materials with the

capacity to destroy cancer cells caused by the

topic.

The Center for Genomic Integrity (Director

succeeded in discovering that

baicalein extracted from the roots of scutellaria

baicalensis, a medicinal plant, can selectively

kill tumor cells caused by mismatch repair

in the United

States, subsequently discovering around

The team found that baicalein-treated tumor

without baicalein treatment, and the double

helix is eventually nicked, resulting in the

eradication of cancer cells. In summation, this

result has demonstrated that using baicalein

can selectively kill cancer cells with deficient

mismatch repair. The research team dedicated

four weeks to examine mice whose genes

fed normal food developed colon cancer caused

fed food containing baicalein rarely developed

colon cancer.

Moreover, the team found that, when baicalein

was applied to normal cells, MutS proteins

lesion to activate the cell cycle checkpoint. The

checkpoint is a self-regulating system of the cell

the cells from advancing in the cycle and assists

their return to a normal state. The activation

of the checkpoint secures the necessary time

prevents the cells from being destroyed by

baicalein. The research team also newly found

contributes to the activation of the checkpoint,

as well as the mismatch repair.

Baicalein can induce the selective eradication

repair deficiency, and may also contribute to

the activation of a checkpoint that controls

the cell cycles of normal cells, which proves its

high biological and medical value. The use of

baicalein is expected to greatly contribute to the

mismatch repair deficiency, as well as colon

cancers in the future.

Papers published

Yongliang Zhang Jennifer T. Fox, Young-Un

Park, Gene Elliott, Ganesha Rai, Mengli Cai,

Srilatha Sakamuru, Ruili Huang, Menghang

Xia, Kyeryoung Lee, Min Ho Jeon, Bijoy P.

Mathew, Hee Dong Park, Winfried Edelmann,

Chan Young Park, Sung You Hong, David

Maloney, and Kyungjae Myung, “A Novel

Chemotherapeutic Agent to Treat Tumors with

DNA Mismatch Repair Deficiencies”, Cancer

Research, 2016, DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.

CAN-15-2974

Center for Genomic Integrity

Baicalein Extracted from Plants Contributes to Future Anticancer Drugs

Treatment for Cancers Caused by Flaws in DNA Mismatch Repair

a chemical reaction to cause its acceleration

or deceleration without itself being affected.

Catalysts increase the reaction efficiency in

various chemical processes in the chemical

cost. Recently, significant expectations have

been placed on the more diverse applications

of catalysts in the new area of environmental

technology, such as hydrogen fuel cells as an

emerging clean energy source and a device

that mimics photosynthesis to convert carbon

dioxide into fuel.

In particular, researchers see hot electrons

generated on the surface of a catalyst under

chemical reactions within a femtosecond (fs, 1fs

as a core factor of a

catalytic mechanism. Hot electrons are electrons

that are excited with an energy in excess of the

equilibrium state. Hot electrons are generated

when free electrons on the surface of a catalyst

escape from the equilibrium state after gaining

chemical energy generated in a chemical reaction

during an electrical consumption process.

an associate director at the IBS Center for (Director

, succeeded in directly detecting hot

electrons and measuring currents. The research

team used a catalyst hot electron detector, which

and a semiconductor combined together, to

detect hot electrons generated during a catalytic

chemical reaction on the surface of a metal

catalyst in a hydrogen peroxide solution. This

is the first success in detecting hot electrons

in a liquid environment that is identical to

hot electrons generated in the gas-solid interface

was less than 1 percent, but in this liquid

environment, the detection efficiency reached

10 percent, a higher rate than previous cases.

The research team created a catalytic

nanodiode by depositing a metal possessing a

catalytic characteristic with the thickness of

15 nm on a silicon

created from the potential barrier formed on the

interface of two materials. When hot electrons

generated on the surface of the nanocatalyst are

discharged beyond the potential barrier formed

by the Schottky barrier during the occurrence

of a chemical reaction in the hydrogen peroxide

solution, the catalytic nanodiode enters into

In addition, the research team derived further

results under various conditions by diversifying

the materials used for the nanocatalyst into

gold, silver, and platinum, and by controlling

the thickness of the nanocatalyst and the

concentration of the hydrogen peroxide

solution. Moreover, the hydrogen peroxide

decomposes during a catalytic reaction to

generate water and oxygen gas, and the team

chromatography to theoretically calculate the

value that matched the one produced by a real

experiment.

In particular, this result confirmed the presence

of hot electrons in a liquid interface, which is a

common condition for the use of catalysts, as

opposed to a specific experiment environment

such as the conventional experiment conditions of

and state.

The research findings were published in

cover article. The paper’s primary author, Ievgen

the University of Duisburg-Essen in 2014, and

between hot electrons and electrocatalysts.

Center for Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions

A huge stride toward the development of a next-generation, high-efficiency nanocatalyst

‘Hot Electrons’, a Key to Understanding Catalysis, Detected in a Liquid Environment

Principle of detecting hot electrons during hydrogen

peroxide decomposition on a metal/n-Si nanodiode.

The basic process involves 1) excitation of a hot

electron followed by 2) ballistic transport across the

metal–semiconductor contact.

O

H

A

H2O2

Metal Catalyst

Ohmic contact

φb

Metal

Ec

EF

EV

n-Sin-Si

Hot electron

Hot electron

H2O

Balcalein

Male

Control

Famale

Paper published

Ievgen I. Nedrygailov et al., “Hot Electrons at

Solid–Liquid Interfaces: A Large Chemoelectric

Effect during the Catalytic Decomposition of

Hydrogen Peroxide”, Angewandte Chemie,

2016, DOI: 10.1002/anie.201603225

4342


Smart Materials, Using Teamwork-based Movements Resembling Bees and Birds

forming an organized structure or pattern. In other words, the research

found that mutual interactions among artificially produced particles resulted

in organized behavior akin to that found in living organisms.

Using Janus particles, which possess a different charge on each side, and

electrical control over them, the research team confirmed that the particles’

interactions cause independent movement into swarms, clusters, and

chains. Dynamic interactions among individual particles created varied and

organized clusters, whose movements resembled swimming.

This research demonstrated that it is possible to predict and manipulate

self-assembly, which has been known as a highly complicated

phenomenon, by simply controlling charge differences. “We have

discovered that interactions amongst the same matter with a single

property can lead to various forms of self-assembling structures,” said

Director Steve Granick, emphasizing the significance of the study results,

and added, “This will contribute to advancing the research on smart

materials, which possess various properties simultaneously with the ability

to exhibit a particular one as desired depending on changes in the external

environment.”

The study results were published online in Nature Materials on July 12.

From swarms of bees, flocks of birds to colonies of bacteria, many living

organisms of all sizes in nature exhibit various patterns of collective and

organized behavior. The ability for cells or organisms to cluster and move

in perfect harmony is a wondrous sight, resembling a system of teamwork

based on effective communication amongst individual members of a

group. In collaboration with a research team led by Professor Erik Luijten of

Northwestern University, the IBS Center for Soft and Living Matter (Director

Steve Granick) gained basic understanding of microparticles independently

Center for Soft and Living Matter

Isotropic

Chain

Swarm

Cluster

Varying states of Janus particles shown in two-dimensional graphs. Depending on voltage levels,

repulsive and attractive forces of varying intensity are generated between colloid particles, which become

active due to an electrostatic imbalance between the two sides. Dynamic interaction among the particles

resembles swimming in varied and organized clusters. In particular, depending on frequency levels of the

electric field, the particles take various forms such as a long line, a large cluster moving in a particular

direction, or compact and small colonies. By simply controlling electrical differences, the research team

was able to produce different forms of particles as intended. In the center inset, red spots on the particles

indicate a positive charge and blue spots indicate a negative charge.

Named after the Roman god with

two faces, Janus particles refer to

those created to possess different

properties on each side by

combining materials with different

properties. Janus particles can be

created through various methods,

such as overlapping one material

over another or carving out layers

of different materials.

The research team produced Janus particles

with different electrostatic energy on either side,

by coating microscopic glass spheres on one

hemisphere with thin metal film. In deionized

water containing two electrodes, the particles

become colloid, a state in which particles larger

than a molecule or an ion with a diameter of

1nm to 1000nm disperse chaotically amidst a

gas or a liquid. Following the application of AC

voltage frequency above a certain level, Janus

particles become electrically charged, possessing

positive and negative charge on each hemisphere

respectively. The electrically charged particles

interact with the charge in the colloidal water,

causing an electrostatic imbalance on the surface

of the colloid particles, which generates a fluid

current around the Janus particles in a certain

direction and drives them to move.

Paper published

Jing Yan, Ming Han, Jie Zhang, Cong Xu, Erik

Luijten, Steve Granick, “Reconfiguring active

particles by electrostatic imbalance,” Nature

Materials, 2016, DOI:10.1038/nmat4696

E

4544


migrates. The fact that cells move may sound

strange to most people since their understanding

of animal and plant cells solely come from

illustrations in books. But the phenomenon of

cells moving in a certain direction is necessary

for the development of embryos, scar healing,

and immune responses. The spread of cancer

cells to various organs is also caused by the

movement of cancer cells. In this respect, cell

migration is closely related to human health and

diseases.

GTP-binding proteins are involved in growing

Won Do, a group leader at the IBS Center for

Cognition and Sociality as

well as a professor of Department of Biological

the process of cell migration at the molecule

level.

filaments create a fin-like protrusion, which is

used to move forward. GTP-binding proteins

Furthermore, the team found that the direction

of cell migration can be controlled by changing

the area on which cells are illuminated. For

example, if blue light is shone on the left side of

do not move and become inactivated, and thus

proteins on the right of the cell, which is not

exposed to the blue light, function normally,

which leads the cells to migrate to the right.

rudder protein, is a core protein for migrating

cells, and controlled cell migration using light

through optogenetic technology. Professor Heo,

the group leader, said, “We will study cancer

metastasis and the migration of immune cells

by identifying a new mechanism that can

the process of cell signal transmission. To

activate GTP-binding proteins also requires

GEF proteins. In short, cells migrate when

cell signals are transmitted from GEF to

GTP-binding proteins, then to actin filament

However, existing research shows that cell

migration did not increase significantly even

when applying various types of GEF proteins,

the core proteins responsible for cell migration

it was also difficult to identify the specific

operational mechanisms of cell migration.

The research team led by Professor Heo used

bioimaging technology to discover for the

GEF proteins play the role of a rudder in

determining the direction of cell migration.

GEF proteins that are likely to control cell

the direction of cell migration.

corresponding part expands. Cells migrate using

the kinetic energy gained from the protrusion.

The research team found that this rudder

actin filaments and that this binding further

accelerates the activation of small GTP-binding

proteins. Through the solitary application of the

rudder protein as well as the new application

route identified by the research team, it has

accelerate the speed of cell migration by 1.5 to

2 times.

In addition, the team succeeded in artificially

controlling the direction of cell migration

by controlling the activation of the rudder

proteins using optogenetic technology. When

blue light is used to illuminate cells to which

fusion proteins made using a blue light receptor

have been applied, the fusion proteins capture

light turns on, cells stop migrating, and when

proteins returns to normal and continues to

make cells migrate.

Center for Cognition and Sociality

‘PLEKHG3’ proteins activating GTP-binding proteins polymerize actin to change the direction of cell migration

Discovery of a Protein that Acts as a Rudder in Cell Migration

A tentative model for how PLEKHG3 pathways enhance cell polarity and cell

migration.

PLEKHG3 does not induce polarity in nonmigratory cells. In contrast,in migratory cells, it

first localizes to the leading and trailing edges to induce cell polarity (partial polarization) and

then, when the cell moves forward, localizes mostly to the leading edge (full polarization).

PLEKHG3 activity could be activated by PI3K-dependent or PI3K-independent pathways

through Rac-induced actin polymerization. The activation of actin filaments generates a

positive feedback loop involving PLEKHG3 that accounts for the localization of PLEKHG3 at

the leading edge of the migrating cell.

No polarization

Rear

A B

Front

Actin filaments

At the leading edge PI3K

Rac1/Cdc42

(+)Feedback

(+)Feedback

Dynam

ic actin

PLEKHG3

PLEKHG3

Dynamic

Migration

PLEKHG3

Partial polarization

Full polarization

Directionality

This research identified that PLEKHG3, a rudder protein,

is a core protein for migrating cells, and controlled cell

migration using light through optogenetic technology.

Professor Heo, the group leader, said, “We will study

cancer metastasis and the migration of immune cells

by identifying a new mechanism that can maximize cell

migration.”

Paper published

Trang Thi Thu Nguyen, Wei Sun Park, Byung

Ouk Park, Cha Yeon Kim, Yohan Oh, Jin Man

Kim, Hana Choi, Taeyoon Kyung, Cheol-Hee

Kim, Gabsang Lee, Klaus M. Hahn, Tobias

Meyer, and Won Do Heo. PLEKHG3 enhances

polarized cell migration by activating actin

filaments at the cell front, PNAS, 2016, DOI:

10.1073/pnas.1604720113.

4746


neutrinos have been discovered so far: electron neutrinos, muon neutrinos, and (although

the mass of a neutrino has not been measured yet, it is estimated to be one millionth of that of an electron

special phenomenon called oscillation.

releases about 2×1020 anti-electron neutrinos per second for every 1 GW of

thermal output. Multitudes of short-baseline reactor neutrino experiments were

conducted across the world from the 1980s through the 1990s. The results,

was about 7% lower than the number of neutrinos estimated, on average.

This phenomenon is referred to as the reactor antineutrino anomaly. It can be

explained by assuming the mixing of those neutrinos yet to be discovered and

those already known.

no electroweak interaction other than the mixing. They are being highlighted as

provide an explanation for the reactor antineutrino anomaly, is estimated to be

about 1 eV (1 eV=1.8x10

can be measured at sites located up to tens of meters away from the core of

reactors, have been put into action or are currently under contemplation in

research team, led by

the IBS Center for Underground Physics , measured the

energy spectrum of neutrinos in the tendon gallery, located 24 meters away

in Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do. The challenge of a short baseline experiment is

cosmic rays. However, the tendon gallery is located 10 meters below the Earth’s

surface and many of those background signals can be blocked by surrounding

geographical features and structures. In short, this underground experiment is

fast neutrons created by cosmic rays could be filtered through the pulse shape

discrimination, and the researchers were able to measure approximately 2,000

about 80 were observed to be background signals. This experiment is viewed

to have succeeded in measuring neutrinos with greater efficiency than any

experiment that has been conducted so far with respect to background signals.

oscillation signals. The researchers have set new limits for the mass and mixing of

sterile neutrinos, which are expected to provide breakthroughs for clarifying the

reactor antineutrino anomaly.

Center for Underground Physics

Measuring the short-baseline energy spectrum of reactor neutrinos

Setting a New Limit for the Characteristics of Sterile Neutrinos

Number of reactor neutrino

events measured in the NEOS

experiment

Key map of the reactor and the

tendon gallery – the site of the

NEOS experiment

Standard model of

particle physics

A NEOS detector being

assembled for testing

Nuclear fuel in

operation in the 5th

nuclear reactor at the

Hanbit Nuclear Power

Plant in Yeonggwang,

Jeollanam-do, and

the inside of a NEOS

detector used to

measure the energy

spectrum of neutrinos

in the tendon gallery

located 24 meters away

IBD C

ount

s / d

ay

2000

1500

1000

500

0

100

50

0Stp ‘15 Nov ‘15 Jan ‘16 Mar ‘16 May ‘16

NEOS Preliminary

15/Oct ‘15 18/Oct ‘15

IBD C

ount

s / 6

hrs

Rep

orte

d Th

emal P

ower

(%)

400

200

0

100

50

0

Rep

orte

d Th

emal P

ower

(%)

A neutrino is a fermionic elementary particle that makes

up the universe and is smaller in mass than other known

elementary particles. Neutrinos are created in the sun,

the Earth’s atmosphere, and nuclear reactors.

Leptons

uUp b

Bottom muon

tau muon

tau

eelectron

eelectron neutrino

CCharm

sStrange

t Top d

Down

ZZ boson

WW boson Photon

gGluon

Intermediate particle

HHiggs boson

FermionQuarks

4948


A Window into a Living Brain

Brain imaging and electrophysiology in animal experiments are important

to gain a better understanding of the structure and functions of the brain

as they allow researchers to identify the response of the blood vessels

and cells of a living brain during stimulation. A window into the brain to

facilitate the real-time observation of the organ’s changes without the need

for any extra equipment would contribute towards significant progress

in functional brain research. Although partial attempts have been made

towards this method, it has been difficult to find suitable materials with

high biocompatibility, and the capacity to protect the brain while allowing

real-time observation.

The IBS Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (Director KIM Seong-

Gi) turned to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a potential cranial window

cover, since the material is biocompatible, transparent, flexible, and

elastic enough to prevent tears. The research team performed surgical

operations on an animal test subject to remove the skull and dura mater,

which were then replaced with PDMS. This allowed PDMS to serve as a

window into the brain cortex while protecting the cerebrum. Unlike the

conventional glass-made window, PDMS is easily bendable and thus

can be molded perfectly to fit around the round shape of the cranium.

Therefore, it can cover larger areas of the brain than a glass window,

without causing any damage to the brain. The researchers named the

PDMS window “soft cranial window” (hereafter “soft window”). With

the assistance of microelectrodes and micropipettes, the soft window

allows electrophysiological recordings of cortex conditions and chemical

injections into the brain, which will bring huge progress to brain function

research.

Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research

Schematics of the cranial window of brain

with flexible PDMS covering.

In a simple surgical procedure description (see

the online Methods section for details), following

craniotomy and duratomy, an approximately

0.3-mm thick PDMS pad was used to cover

the exposed curved cortical tissue and was

carefully glued to the skull around the exposed

cortex using a cyanoacrylate adhesive. Then,

the boundary of the PDMS cranial window was

sealed with a dental resin. This transparent

and flexible window remained in place with no

defects until the mouse died.

Window into the skull of rodent

The cortex is safely protected as the parts

of the skull and dura mater that have been

removed are then covered with PDMS film.

As the material is elastic like human skin,

electrodes and pipettes can freely applied

to it during experiments.

Micropipettes: Stimulation or injection with chemicals or virus.

Microelectrodes: Real-time monitoring of the cortex

Resin

Glue

Skull

Dura

CSF

Cortex

Real-time monitoring of neural activities in the

brain.

The soft window and the rhodamine dextran

injection allowed the research team to make

a real-time monitoring of neural activities in

the brain. The mouse with a PDMS window

was placed over the treadmill, while the head-

holder was fixed in a bar attached to the side

of the treadmill. Using the 2p microscope, the

research team imaged cerebral vasculature

every 20 minutes after rhodamine-dextran

injection. There was a slow and

continuous leakage of rhodamine-

dextran into a tissue area for over

60 minutes. This demonstrates

the PDMS window can be

successfully sustained during

in vivo awake imaging.

Cortical surface vasculatures of behaving mouse are visualized after rhodamine dextran injection up to 60 minutes.

After injection of the Cy3-labeled dye, Cy3 fluorescence signal is clearly shown at the target position under 2p imaging.

xtran

Fluorepores(1.0μm)in the cortical brain

PDMS

Objective25×0.95N.A

Water

Treadmill

Mouse walking

Head holder

100μm

Cortical vessel Microglia Cy3-labeled dye

5 mm

100μm

Paper published

Chaejeong Heo, Hyejin Park, Yong-Tae Kim,

Eunha Baeg, Yong Ho Kim, Seong-Gi Kim

& Minah Suh, “A soft, transparent, freely

accessible cranial window for chronic imaging

and electrophysiology”, Scientific Reports,

2016, DOI:10.1038/srep27818

The Soft window allowed scientists to

measure real time neural activation in

multisites and at any point in the brain.

1mV

1s

PDMS

5150


Review of the IBS Fifth Anniversary Round Table

IBS Looks to the Future as it Celebrates Five Years in Promoting Basic Science

science research in Korea.

He highlighted the first instance of national-

level support for basic science research in post-

World War II United States. Vannevar Bush,

the director of the U.S. Office of Scientific

Research and Development appointed by

President Roosevelt, proposed the establishment

of an independent research body backed

by the federal government and dedicated to

providing coordinated and ongoing support for

fundamental research in the postwar era. His

Research Foundation . In his report to the

president “Science: The Endless Frontier,” Bush

made an argument for the value of basic science

research, presenting it as a solution for national

agendas such as national defense and public

welfare, and called for ongoing investment. In

the same report, he also stated that basic science

research was about exploring the unknown and

that conventional approaches would not be

would not be wise to entrust the stewardship of

basic science research to government agencies

that favor immediate and practical results.

His vision for “a research body backed by the

federal government that supports research

Professor Park claimed that Korea, despite its

national-level effort to promote basic science,

has struggled to secure core technologies.

The Institute for Basic Science recently

2016 offered a diverse set of events to mark

this meaningful occasion. Dr. Bruce Beutler,

Medicine and Professor at the University

of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, led

the plenary lecture under the title, “Finding

cohosted conferences on material physics and

vascular biology with the Max Planck Society

and the RI physics conference with Japan’s

venue

One of the most anticipated events was a round

table discussion titled “Fostering Basic Science

Doochul serving as a moderator, a discussion

panel comprised of members from world-

renowned research institutes discussed the

long-term vision for the IBS. Prior to the main

Graduate School of Science and Technology

an overview of the historical and political events

that led to the establishment of the IBS and its

role for basic science in Korea. The presentation

was followed by a panel discussion with

Professor Park, President Matsumoto Hiroshi

, Director Philippe Codognet

Dietmar Vestweber of the Max Planck Institute

for Molecular Biomedicine , and

at the University of British Columbia

and chairperson of the IBS Selection and

Evaluation Committee. President Kim, as

moderator, sought their opinions on topics such

as the role of basic science, collaboration with

the longer-term vision for the IBS.

Serve as Bridge between Academia and

Research Organizations

the historical and political events that led to the

establishment of the IBS and its role for basic

leading to the establishment of Korea Institute

of Science and Technology in 1966 and

the foundation of the Ministry of Science and

Technology in 1967, government support failed

to make significant gains in promoting basic

science research until the 1980s. Throughout

the development of modern Korea, from

nation building to economic development and

a funding and support system that covers the

entire research community, leaving research

by universities under the Ministry of Culture

and Education.

establishing more research bodies dedicated to

basic science since the country required more

of such institutions. The proposal, however,

failed to affect meaningful change and no

significant progress was made until the 2000s.

an initiative for establishing a basic science

(Seoul

idea, brought it to the attention of the former

president Lee Myung Bak, then presidential

candidate and Mayor of the Seoul Metropolitan

Government. The original plan, the “Milky

Establishment of and Support for International

Science and Business Belts (Establishment of Basic

in 2010.

Professor Park claimed, “Korea’s investment

“For the IBS to continue its success, it should

serve as a bridge between universities and other

ecosystem for basic science research.” He

concluded his presentation by touching upon

promote freedom and autonomy in research for

Korea’s science community.”

Present Vision for Future and Assemble

Talented Researchers

The panel discussion commenced with a debate

on the role of basic science in society.

discussion by stating, “Fortunately, Japan as

science, and researchers receive significant

support. However, as the fields of science

research become increasingly segmented,

scientists often lose sight of the big picture such

as vision and long-term goals.” He continued,

“Japan went through stagnation for roughly

10 to 20 years, and I think the absence of

was one of the reasons.” President Matsumoto

suggested, “To achieve great innovations, we

need to have a long-term vision that expands far

beyond our generation.”

Director Dietmar Vestweber of the MPI for

Molecular Biomedicine pointed out that basic

science originated from the human desire to

science is to “gain” knowledge, how and where

to “apply” the knowledge is irrelevant. Director

Vestweber pressed the issue further: “Basic

science should be driven by curiosity” and

“asking a lot of questions, driven by curiosity,

will lead you to new ideas in the long term.” He

talented scientists and nurturing them. “People

science research.” He explained, “We need to

be patient and think long-term when it comes to

research support in order to build a foundation

that can sustained to the next generation.”

of British Columbia made a comment that

bridges what President Matsumoto and Director

roots in human curiosity, and vision also plays a

a roadmap to the future.” He also commented

on the importance of people and presented

an argument for interdisciplinary research:

research is vital, but it is as important to create

a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and

In his presentation, Professor PARK Buhm Soon

(KAIST) suggested the IBS serve as a bridge between

academia and other research organizations in

promoting the entire ecosystem for basic science

research in order to continue its success.

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IBS VIEWPOINT 7th Issue | 2016 2nd

each other’s strengths. He explained further,

“Universities are where learning takes place

and therefore they need to offer a breadth of

including traditional topics. The MPI, on the

other hand, focuses on assembling scientists

who can generate new ideas to seek answers

to the challenging questions that teaching

institutions are not equipped to handle.”

Director Vestweber also mentioned that the

large number of graduate students participating

between the MPI and universities.

Tokyo University, Osaka University and Kyoto

University. President Matsumoto, who spent 15

years of his career in academia, explained how

offices across the nation to strengthen our ties

will provide researchers with an opportunity

to gain teaching experience, while offering

university professors a chance to participate

with scientists to understand their minds and

needs. That is how we can provide support that

the ‘real-life’ research environment.”

both in basic and applied science research.

implemented a sys tem that mandates

are being carried out in cooperation with

Serve as Hub for Basic Science Research,

Ensuring Freedom of Research and

Offering Long-term Commitment

President Kim presented the last topic for the

discussion: “Over the past five years, the IBS

has made progress and produced meaningful

results. We would like advice on what we

should do to build on what we have achieved

an environment that facilitates unrestrained and

interdisciplinary research and commit to a long-

term research support.

President Matsumoto offered the advice

to “nurture young scientists and help them

overcome the barriers between different

disciplines” as he underscored the importance

exchange to ensure diversity.”

Director Philippe Codognet shared his ideas

on how to bridge basic science research and

example: “Our goal is to integrate achievements

from different fields of science research, both

This does not, however, indicate that the basic

takes time for achievements in basic science to

Director Codognet cited the example of Thales

integrated circuit . “When Thales developed

the IC and acquired the patent in 1978, no

one understood the implication of the new

technology. But ten years later, it began to bring

that the benefits of basic science research are

not immediately apparent, and that it is almost

impossible to predict what kind of change the

research may bring about ten years into the

future.” Director Codognet underscored the

importance of ongoing investment in basic

science as well and argued for a system that

ensure greater results.

Create System for Collaboration that

Leverages Different Strengths of

Academia and Research Organizations

The discussion moved onto the topic of

collaboration between academia and research

is primarily staffed with researchers from

universities. Under the system, universities pay

funds their research. This allows researchers

to focus on their research, not distracted by

Director Vestweber underscored that the MPI

and universities are not in competition but in

collaborative relationships that complement

stakeholders and called for science communities

in Korea to cooperate with each other.

Q&A: Questions on Cooperation between

Research Organizations and Industries

and How Basic Science Should Engage

with Public

were not examined in the main discussion.

Director Rodney Ruoff of the IBS Center for

Multidimensional Carbon Materials asked

how industries contribute to advances in

“Industries contribute to advances in basic

centers founded by businesses carry out basic

science research, as we see in the cases of

Blackberry and Xerox. Some industry players

contribute by funding basic science research.”

President Matsumoto added, “In Japan,

that they cannot handle internally to research

to play in society as well as in the advancement

of basic science.

Questions followed on the topic of how basic

science should engage with the public. Professor

Codognet all mentioned public participation in

taking public engagement further than science

exhibitions and lectures and inviting amateur

scientists or nonscientists to become involved in

scientific research. Participation takes various

or compiling data.” He also added, “We are

trying to communicate the importance and

necessity of basic science through engagement.”

President Matsumoto said, “I have a monthly

The lively discussion exceeded the scheduled

hour and went on for nearly two hours.

The panel i s t s comprised of seasoned

science administrators complimented the

IBS, particularly on delivering impressive

performance as a newly established research

would be able to establish itself as a leading

works out the remaining issues with a longer-

term perspective. Concluding the session,

President Kim said, “This round table

help the IBS set longer-term direction.”

of interdisciplinary research. Director

Codognet mentioned that only 15 percent of

young researchers in France obtain a tenure

track position, which necessitates a system

that ensures the sustainability of their research

should be made for young scientists in Korea.

Director Vestweber highlighted the importance

of long-term support: “Select your people

carefully. But after you invite them into your

of time and support.” He also suggested the

IBS consider a “system that facilitates lifetime

“create a great research environment and build

a good reputation among young and bright

scientists, making them want to come and work

for you.” Professor Park, the presenter at the

event, proposed that the IBS, supported by the

autonomy of scientific community in Korea,

take the leadership in designing the future of

our society.

In his comment on freedom in research,

Professor Park said, “Researchers become

inspired and motivated only when they have

freedom to pursue their research interest. But

in the history of science research in Korea,

researchers have never been offered such

an environment.” He also urged the IBS to

effectively block interventions by external

Director Philippe Codognet of the Regional

Office of CNRS (French National Center for

Scientific Research) for North Asia

Director Codognet argued that investment in basic

science should continue even if the benefits of

research are not immediately apparent by presenting

an example of unforeseen benefits of science research

that was initially seen as impractical.

Director Dietmar Vestweber of the Max Planck

Institute (MPI) for Molecular Biomedicine

(Germany)

Director Vestweber suggested universities and

research organizations recognize their unique

strengths, stop seeing each other as competition and

build relationships that draw on each other’s strengths.

Dr. George Sawatzky, professor at the University

of British Columbia (Canada)

Professor Sawatzky advised to build a reputation as a

great research institution to work for among young and

bright scientists.

IBS president KIM Doochul

President Kim said the round table discussion provided

valuable insights, which will help the IBS set longer-

term direction.

President Matsumoto Hiroshi of RIKEN (Japan)

President Matsumoto said scientists should have a

vision to achieve great innovations.

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IBS VIEWPOINT 7th Issue | 2016 2nd

“Early human migrations were strongly

impacted by past climate changes such as glacial

advances and astronomical factors.” Professor

Timmermann began his lecture by underscoring

the role of climate drivers for the evolution of

our species. Professor Timmermann’s lecture was

and corresponding migration waves of Homo

sapiens from 125,000 years ago to date by using a

computer model.

Professor Timmermann, focused in his lecture

on the impact of astronomical factors on climate

change, or more precisely, the impact of longterm

cyclical changes in the solar energy that the

earth’s surface receives at different latitudes and

for different seasons. These changes are due to

variations in the eccentricity of Earth’s orbit

around the Sun, changes in earth’s axial tilt, and

axis wobble. These three astronomical processes

with periods of 100, 41 and 21 thousand years,

respectively, comprise the dominant longterm

forcing cycles of earth’s climate, collectively

known as the Milankovic Cycles, named after

Milutin Milankovic, the Serbian astronomer and

climatologist who developed the astronomical

theory of ice-ages.

If these cycles conspire, they can cause the climate

system to plunge into an ice age. This happened

last about 110,000 years ago when the summer

substantially and massive ice sheets began to form

global sea level dropped, because over thousands

of years continental rainwater did not return back

to the ocean, but accumulated as snow and ice.

Superimposed on this phase of gradual global

cooling, which lasted for about 90 thousand

years, changes in earth’s wobble created shifts in

tropical rain bands which generated either massive

deserts or green Savannah corridors in northern

years ago one of these vegetated corridors between

The reason why and when our ancestors

scientific communities. In order to quantify the

impact of climate and environmental conditions

on the dispersion of anatomically modern

humans, Professor Timmermann developed one

of the first integrated climate-human migration

computer models to recreate ice ages, abrupt

climate change and the “peopling” of our planet,

and to determine the arrival times of Homo

sapien sat different locations. Consistent with

fossil and archeological data, the simulation

and the Eastern Mediterranean approximately

100,000 years ago and reached China in very low

densities 80,000 years ago. “There were multiple

by the 21,000 year cycle of earth’s axis wobble”

explains Professor Timmermann. In his computer

simulations our ancestors crossed the exposed land

50,000 years ago, in close agreement with fossil

records and archaeological evidence. Professor

Timmermann’s simulations show that after

reaching far eastern Siberia around 20,000 years

ago, Homo sapiens then crossed the Bering land

ago. The simulation shows a good agreement with

a plethora of data from fossil and archeological

records and paleo-genetic reconstructions.

However, there is one apparent and interesting

discrepancy: the simulated early arrival in Europe

challenges the late arrival times estimated from the

oldest European Homo sapiens fossils. Professor

Timmermann is planning to include in future

Homo sapiens into his model to reconcile this

Concluding his lecture, Professor Timmermann

noted, “The migration of Homo sapiens out of

astronomically paced.” He explained, “There

were at least four such migration waves, separated

received more rainfall during periods of increased

summer solar energy. More rainfall meant more

vegetation and more food resources for the early

climate science which goes beyond the classical

disciplines of oceanography and meteorology:

“Oceans, atmosphere, ice sheets, vegetation,

ecosystems, and the carbon cycle all interact with

each other on long time scales. So if one wants to

understand long term climate change, one needs

to consider all of these components and their

feedbacks.” In response to increasing greenhouse

gas concentrations Professor Timmermann’s

recent calculation predict for the end of this

Century a global surface warming of up to

4-6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Climate computer models show that this will very

likely be accompanied by massive drying over the

Mediterranean region with grave impacts on the

region’s agricultural activities and water resources.

Such conditions may trigger a new climate-driven

exodus of unprecedented proportions.

Public lecture held in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Institute for Basic Science

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) hosted a

public lecture as part of its 2016 Annual Meeting held on November 18 at the ICC Hotel

Daejeon. The two-session public lecture was headlined by Axel Timmermann, one of

the world’s leading authorities in climate dynamics and professor at the University of

Hawaii at Manoa, and Andreas Heinrich, a world-renowned nanoscientist and professor

at Ewha Womans University. Professor Timmerman discussed “Astronomical Drivers

of Early Human Migration,” while Professor Heinrich spoke about “The Scanning

Tunneling Microscope: An Amazing Tool for an Atomic-scale View of Surfaces.” The

special lectures found a highly receptive audience not only among members of the

scientific community but also the general public, and especially among high school

students – our future scientists.

From Climate Change to the Microscopic World,Science Fascinates Audiences

Estimated migration waves and arrival time based on the computer

simulation by Professor Timmermann.

During his lecture titled “Astronomical Drivers of Early Human Migration,” Professor

Timmermann spoke about his research that recreated climate fluctuations and

corresponding migration waves from 125,000 years ago to date with a computer model.

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IBS REPORT 7th Issue | 2016 2nd

Commemorative Event for the 5th Anniversary of IBS Held

variety of events to recall the milestones reached so far

and to outline its future path. The two-day celebration

exhibition. Members from world leading research institutes

participated in the event to share knowledge and insights

into basic science research. The conferences and talks were

The event began with congratulatory remarks from

CHOI Yanghee (Minister of Science, Information and

Communications Technology and Future Planning

Doochul.

With the vision ‘Making Discoveries for Humanity and

Society’, IBS’ seeks fundamental knowledge about nature

and applies it for a sustainable society. IBS supports large-

scale, long-term group research. “We will strive to become

a global research hub where IBS Centers serve as a catalyst

for networking and collaborations in the global science

community,” enthused President Kim.

Laureate in Physiology or Medicine Bruce Beutler (University

innate immunity and his career focused on using genetics

to learn about the immune system. He presented how his

particular effects and diseases on mice, such as dystonia,

cancer, addiction etc. Genetic mapping tools have enabled

and test one third of all proteins of mice.

The event included a round table discussion titled ‘Fostering

table agreed that basic science must be curiosity-driven and

that autonomy is fundamental to this.

science talk. Timmermann, a leader in climate dynamics,

explained how his computer models simulate the ice-

Heinrich presented his studies on the scanning tunnelling

microscope. The microscope features an extremely sharp

needle that his team used to reposition individual atoms and

build the smallest magnetic storage device in the world.

The second day of the event also included three parallel

institutes.

Center. IBS scientists submitted 16 images that celebrate

the beauty of science and discovery in the invisible world.

Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society Invited for Public Lecture

“What do Keats, Kafka,

and Chopin all share in

common? They are al l

famous artists, but another

thing they share is the fact

that they all died very young

we have pills and we tend

to think that infections are

not a problem anymore, but the reality is that lots of people

Venki Ramakrishnan (Laboratory of Molecular Biology,

the issue with antibiotics resistance at his talk in Seoul on

October 28, 2016.

Ramakrishnan to present the science behind antibiotics

resistance, to describe the latest research in the use cryo-

electron microscopy to study the ribosome, and to share

memorable experiences of his career.

Prof. Ramakrishnan explained that while penicillin targets

the cell wall of the bacteria, several types of antibiotics

work by preventing bacteria from producing their proteins.

proteins. Cellular organelles called ribosomes help during

the translation process and are considered ‘the cell’s protein

Professor Ramakrishnan is also President of the Royal

Society, with whom IBS has been collaborating. “The

was established in 1660 and, interestingly, set up by very

young and engaging scientists.” “They believed in rigorous

fact checking and not blindly accepting an elder’s opinion,

I always stress the importance of teaching science properly

from a young age and engage with the British public.”

result: “We must keep on going. My proudest achievement

The Ground-breaking Ceremony of YONSEI-IBS Center for Nanomedicine Held

The Institute for Basic Science and Yonsei University held

IBS Science Hall on September 9.

collaborations across disciplines and to embody the vision of

“Center Without Barriers” by bridging the Yonsei Science Hall

The Center will be equipped with the state of the art

facilities for interdisciplinary studies, such as nanomaterial

synthesis, measuremens in nanotechnology, animal

experiments, nanomedicine, etc. The infrastructure will be

built to facilitate the exchanges of ideas and collaborations

among scientists.

IBS Recruitment Fair in Boston, USA

Under the slogan “Initiate your own research”, the Institute

Career Opportunity Reception’ at the Sheraton Boston

Over 100 globally diverse researchers attended the fair which

rich information on research conditions at IBS.

Researchers participating in this event inquired about

scale. The attendees included MIT professors as well as

early-career scientists. In addition to the career reception,

IBS ran a promotional booth at the ‘MRS Career Fair’

Professor Heinrich and the STM he used during his tenure at IBM. It is the same

STM he used to make the movie “A Boy and His Atom: The World’s Smallest

Movie.” ⒸIBM

Heinrich shared what it is like to observe the world

of atoms with the scanning tunneling microscopes

, a cutting-edge instrument. Professor

Heinrich used an analogy to discuss the scale of

planet.” He added, “the STM makes it possible

to observe the world of atoms in nano-scale by

allowing us to set the probe tip, which is sharpened

to a tip made of a single atom, one nanometer

from metal surfaces and track the movements

Professor Heinrich also showed an STM-captured

image of a 100 nm by 100 nm copper substrate

composed of some 15000 copper atoms, complete

with atomic-scale steps, ridges and electric currents.

First developed in 1981 by Gerd Binnig and

Heinrich Rohrer at IBM Zürich, an STM is an

incredible nanoscience tool for imaging surfaces

at the atomic level. The cutting-edge microscopy

instrument gave rise to a new field of research

Heinrich’s mentor Dr. Donald Eiglergave

not be accomplished before. He had to build

a new generation of STM working in colder

temperatures and high magnetic fields in order

to be able to measure magnetic excitations of

single atoms. More advanced low-temperature

STMs allow researchers to manipulate and

arrange individual atoms freely to create quantum

nanostructures. Heinrich refers to this as his

and a half years, but he made it happen. “It was

quite a risk to take as a young researcher. But I

think that this type of persistence is one of the key

elements that dist inguishes scientists from many

other people.”

nanostructures including the IBM logotype,

Professor Heinrich talked about “molecules

cascades,” a mechanical computer that he built

more than a decade ago on the atomic scale, and

how it works. Carbon monoxide molecules, which

are most stable when they are arranged to form the

“V” shape or a triangle, are arranged in atomically

precise configurations, or molecules cascades,

where the motion of one molecule causes the

subsequent motion of another, creating a cascade

of motion similar to a row of toppling dominoes.

This is similar to the child’s game of putting

dominos on a table and toppling one to make the

neighbor fall over in a long chain reaction. Professor

Heinrich noted, “It is possible to move data at the

atomic level by using this method.” He went on

to demonstrate that it is possible to use logic gates

data movement test using three carbon monoxide

molecules arranged in the V shape (input to X and Y

was successful in all 10,000 instances.

He added, “If we use molecules cascades, we may

the atomic scale,”. In a second example, Professor

Heinrich showed his recent work on magnetic data

storage on the atomic scale, which was performed

by using a magnetic probe tip. He successfully

letters “s,” “p,” “i” and “n” by using the method

in which 12 molecules represent one bit (eight bits

. Professor Heinrich claims that it is

possible to increase the density of data storage up

to 100 times that of existing hard drives by using

this method.

Concluding his lecture, Professor Heinrich showed

atom manipulation during his tenure at IBM.

as “The World’s Smallest Stop-Motion Film”

ever made, the animation tells a simple story of a

world created from some 65 carbon monoxide

molecules. Four IBM researchers, including

Professor Heinrich, worked day and night for

two weeks piecing together 242 images to create

the 92-second animation (https://www.youtube.com/

, which generated a huge

two days after it was posted on YouTube. Here in

Korea, he wants to continue to inspire the youth

to participate in science and establish a world-class

research center focused on quantum-mechanical

During his lecture titled “Scanning Tunneling Microscope: An Amazing Tool for an

Atomic-scale View of Surfaces,” Professor Heinrich discussed how the scanning

tunneling microscope made it possible to look into the remarkable world of atoms.

59


58

IBS REPORT IBS NEWS

enrolled in the talent pool for IBS.

YEOM Han Woong Won ‘Inchon Prize’

Y E O M H a n Wo o n g ,

d i r e c t o r o f t h e I B S

Dimensional Electronic

Sys tems and professor

at Pohang University of

Science and Technology

science and technology.

announced his winning on September 7th, in recognition

of his discovery that charge transport on atomic wires can

take place in a controllable way of delivering one charge at

a time in one direction only.

Director Yeom pioneered the electronic properties of

atomic wires with the world’s first discovery of phase

transition exhibited by indium atomic wires in 1999 when

he was a lecturer at the University of Tokyo: Indium linear

chains on a silicon surface undergo a transition from a

room-temperature conducting phase into a semiconducting

obtained by depositing metal atoms onto a silicon surface in

ultra-high vacuum conditions. The resulting 1-2 nanometer

chains of atoms are extremely thin, ranging in width

integrated circuits with more sophisticated functions has

drawn enormous attention because they open up new

electronic device concepts, such as greatly reduced power

consumption and heat generation.

IHEE Hyotcherl Honored with the 12th ‘Kyung Ahm Arts & Academy Prize’

IHEE Hyotcherl, associate director of the IBS Center for

Foundation.

In 2015, Ihee’s research group succeeded in achieving the

chemical bonding takes place, where atoms are combined

to form a molecule. The study drew great interest from

the scientific community for its novel approach of using

femtosecond X-ray pulses with a time resolution of 0.1 ps

or 100 femtoseconds.

The 2015 study is a step forward from Ihee’s previous

triumph in 2005 where the research team observed the bond

breaking processes. Ihee’s research group is highly praised

by the academic community for their splendid achievement

of revealing the beginning

a n d e n d o f c h e m i c a l

reactions. By allowing for the

observation of the moment

of protein formation and

the step-by-step changes

of protein structures, the

work is deemed to enable

researchers to obtain basic

information necessary for

the treatment of diseases and the development of new drugs,

as well as for controlling the reactions.

Bartosz A. Grzybowski, Won ‘2016 Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology’

a Group Leader of the

Center for Soft and Living

Matter at the Inst i tute

Distinguished Professor at

a Professor of the Polish

of research on computer-assisted organic synthesis.

for experiment and the other for theory by Foresight Institute.

to organic synthesis, he developed a model that, after

training on a diverse set of reactions, was able to accurately

estimate the yields of organic reactions. Such data-driven

for completely de novo and fully automated design of

syntheses of complex targets, culminating in the Chematica

expert system to combine vast amounts of chemical

knowledge and plan synthesis pathways toward both known

and and previously-unexplored targets.

KIM V. Narry Honored with the ‘2016 Scientist of the Year’

Research won the 2016

Scientist of the Year award.

Kim said, “It is a great honor

not only for me but also for

the entire research staff at

my Center. I appreciate the

hard work and dedication from my Center’s people.”

the Scientist of the Year award to scientists who have

produced outstanding research work and also made

during the year. Last year’s award recipients include KIM

Jin-Soo, Director of the Center for Genome Editing.

CHANG Sukbok Won the ‘Yoshida Prize’

honors researchers with achievements contributing to

chemistry. The Foundation honors one person a year. This

year’s recipient, Director Chang delivered a lecture titled

Celebrating the Foundation of the Korean Society for Genome Editing, the 1st Genome Editing Symposium was Held

The Center for Genome Editing (Director KIM Jin-

the foundation of the the

Korean Society for Genome

Editing and held the 1st

Genome Editing Symposium

The purpose of the society is

to communicate information

a n d t r e n d s o n g e n o m e

editing science at home and abroad. The society’s founding

Professor of College of Liberal Studies. The symposium

served as a forum for sharing and discussing the recent

advances in genome editing for the general public as well as

professionals in medicine, bioengineering and liberal arts.

The symposium comprised of presentations and panel

discussions on a brief history of genome editing, pros

and cons of genome editing, and historical origins and its

economic and social implications.

60

7th Issue | 2016 2ndIBS NEWS

Institute forBasic ScienceThe Institute for Basic Science pursues excellence in

research and fosters future science talents to deliver new

knowledge for the humanities.

Center for Underground

Physics

DirectorKIM Yeoungduk

http://cupweb.ibs.re.kr

C

Center for Theoretical

Physics of Complex Systems

DirectorSergej Flach

http://pcs.ibs.re.kr

C


Physics of the Universe

DirectorCHOI Kiwoon

http://ctpu.ibs.re.kr

C


Physics of the Universe

DirectorREY Soo-Jong

http://ctpu.ibs.re.kr

A

Center for Cognition and

Sociality

DirectorSHIN Hee Sup

http://ccs.ibs.re.kr

C

Center for Genome

Engineering

DirectorKIM Jin-Soo

http://cge.ibs.re.kr

A

IBS Headquarters

Center for Neuroscience

Imaging Research

DirectorKIM Seong-Gi

http://cnir.ibs.re.kr

B

Center for Integrated

Nanostructure Physics

DirectorLEE Young Hee

http://cinap.ibs.re.kr

B

Sungkyunkwan University

Center for RNA Research

DirectorKIM V. Narry

http://rna.ibs.re.kr

A

Center for Correlated

Electron Systems

DirectorNOH Tae Won

http://cces.ibs.re.kr

A

Center for Nanoparticle

Research

DirectorHYEON Taeghwan

http://nanomat.ibs.re.kr

A

Seoul National University

KAIST

Center for Vascular

Research

DirectorKOH Gou Young

http://vascular.ibs.re.kr

C

Center for Axion and Precision

Physics Research

DirectorYannis K. Semertzidis

http://capp.ibs.re.kr

C

Center for Catalytic

Hydrocarbon Functionalizations

DirectorCHANG Sukbok

http://cchf.ibs.re.kr

C

Center for Nanomaterials

and Chemical Reactions

DirectorRYOO Ryong

http://cncr.ibs.re.kr

C

Center for Synaptic Brain

Dysfunctions

DirectorKIM Eunjoon

http://synapse.ibs.re.kr

C

POSTECH

Center for Self-assembly

and Complexity

DirectorKIM Kimoon

http://csc.ibs.re.kr

F

Center for Geometry and

Physics

DirectorOH Yong-Geun

http://cgp.ibs.re.kr

F

Academy of Immunology

and Microbiology

DirectorCharles Surh

http://aim.ibs.re.kr

F

Center for Artificial Low

Dimensional Electronic Systems

DirectorYEOM Han Woong

http://caldes.ibs.re.kr

F

Center for Molecular

Spectroscopy and Dynamics

DirectorCHO Minhaeng

http://cmsd.ibs.re.kr

A

Korea University

Center for Nanomedicine

DirectorCHEON Jinwoo

http://yonsei.ibs.re.kr

A

Yonsei University

Center for Quantum

Nanoscience

DirectorAndreas Heinrich

http://cqn.ibs.re.kr

A

Ewha Womans

University

Center for Plant Aging

Research

DirectorNAM Hong Gil

http://aging.ibs.re.kr

E

DGIST

Center for Relativistic

Laser Science

DirectorNAM Chang Hee

http://corels.ibs.re.kr

D

GIST

Center for Climate Physics

DirectorAxel Timmermann

http://ccp.ibs.re.kr

H

Pusan National University

UNIST

Center for Multidimensional

Carbon Materials

DirectorRodney Ruoff

http://cmcm.ibs.re.kr

G

Center for Genomic

Integrity

DirectorMYUNG Kyungjae

http://cgi.ibs.re.kr

G

Center for Soft and Living

Matter

DirectorSteve Granick

http://softmatt.ibs.re.kr

G

A

B

C

D

EF

G

H

Seoul

Suwon

Daejeon

Daegu

Gwangju

Pohang

Ulsan

Busan

Dancing with Electrons

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Transcript of Dancing with Electrons