LBNL-DGIST Joint Institute for Microscopy (LDJIM)
The LBNL-DGIST Joint Institute for Microscopy combines DGIST’s strengths in hybrid materials synthesis with CXRO’s strengths in nanoscale materials characterization to develop and explore hybrid materials offering multiple functionalities in the realm of energy science, electronics, and biology.
The LDJIM was established in 2014, expanding on a partnership between LBNL and DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea) initiated in 2012.
Research Focus
Initial research has concentrated on low-dimensional materials — 0D nanoparticles, 1D nanowires, and 2D nanoplates or thin films. The collaboration investigates multifunctional systems using semiconductor and magnetic materials, with particular focus on controlling spin behavior, magnetic domain walls, and lattice distortion in magnetic nanomaterials.
Materials Synthesis
Nano-structured materials are prepared at DGIST, leveraging their expertise in hybrid materials synthesis and low-dimensional material fabrication.
Characterization
X-ray microscopy is carried out at LBNL using CXRO’s advanced beamlines at the Advanced Light Source, combined with CXRO patterning expertise for post-processing of specimens.
Key Discoveries
Chaotic Dynamics in Magnetic Vortex Formation
Researchers documented the “butterfly effect” in magnetic vortex formation, demonstrating that minute changes can significantly determine the final outcome of a process in nanoscale magnetic systems. Using soft X-ray microscopy at the XM-1 beamline, the team observed chaotic dynamics in magnetic disk arrays where minor variations significantly influence the stochastic formation of magnetic vortex structures.
M.-Y. Im et al., “Stochastic formation of magnetic vortex structures in asymmetric disks triggered by chaotic dynamics,” Nature Communications (2014).
