2018 년 11 월 18 일 ( 일 ) 19 : 05 : 51 Kim So - jung kimpossible . 714 @ ewhain . net 
 ▲ Diagram explaining the nuclear spin of individual atoms of iron ( Fe ) and magnesium oxide ( MgO ) . Photo provided by the Institute of Basic Science 
 Ewha Womans University ’ s Center for Quantum Nanoscience team ( QNS ) , led by Professor Andreas Heinrich , and the IBM Almaden Research Center team jointly succeeded in measuring hyperfine interactions of surface atoms for the first time . In a paper published on Oct . 19 in Science , one of the world ’ s top academic journals , the researchers outlined their most recent findings on hyperfine spectra of surface atoms . 
 Semiconductor integration technology has reached its technological limit in the status quo . Therefore , a smaller element with efficient operating ability is much sought for . The spin of an individual atom has potential to become an important component of the next - generation electronic element . However , the currently commercialized technology is based on the statistical guesswork from the magnetic signaling of millions of atoms . 
 Professor Heinrich ’ s research interests have long been revolving around the assembly and control of quantum systems on an atomic scale . He did so particularly by building very precise atomic - scale measurement technologies , such as scanning tunneling microscope ( STM ) and electron spin resonance ( ESR ) . The spin is the basic unit for magnetism , where individual atoms either get an upward or downward nuclear spin . 
 In his most recent research , Heinrich and his team combined the technology of STM and ESR to secure a visual field of what is happening in the interior of an atom . Moreover , they also observed hyperfine interaction on the surface level , an electro - magnetic interaction between the nuclear spin and electron spin . These interactions become the fundamental basis for selecting elements for quantum computing saving units . 
 “ This research is meaningful in that it provided the technological backbone to examine the current knowledge in physics on the basis of multiple atoms – we suggested a breakthrough in overcoming the current developments in physics and creating new material to be used in electronic devices ” Heinrich stated in an official statement . 
 The application of hyperfine interactions spans from quantum computing , to micro - computers and next - generation information storage . In order to develop next - generation information storage devices , the basic unit of measurement must become smaller . When a single atom becomes the storage tool and circuit of electronic devices , the characteristic of single atoms must be closely understood . 
 These achievements were made possible thanks to the collaborative effort from various physicists from renowned , global institutions . The research included Philip Wilke , from the IBM Almaden Research Center as the first author , and Choi Tae - young and Bae Yu - jeong from QNS as joint authors . 
 Conducting research with a small research group of four to five scientists that he had close ties to in his 18 years at IBM , Professor Heinrich himself emphasizes the importance of human connection in research . 
 “ As the head of the IBS Quantum Nanoscience team , I want to adopt the role of the grandfather , ” he said in an interview with the Institute for Basic Science . “ Personally , I think it ’ s better to have small unit - sized research groups and have a familial atmosphere , rather than systematically passing on research know - how and having meetings for the sake of formality . ” 
 He believes that connecting Korea to the world is of utmost importance . While in the past many Korean researchers went abroad , it is now time for them to come to Korea to research . This is the role played by IBS , which collaborates in joint efforts with researchers in Germany , Italy , Switzerland , Netherlands , France and many more countries . 
 Ultimately , Heinrich believes that the education of the next generation of researchers is important . This is not just the case for Korea , but for any country in the world .