Dr. Rim's Atomic Journey

Dr. Kwang Rim's J-Term trip with our students to Columbia University was a remarkable journey into the atomic world, a concept that has intrigued thinkers since ancient Greek times. During the first week, students delved into quantum physics and the tunneling phenomenon essential for operating the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). These sessions, held at our Limestone campus, provided a solid foundation for the hands-on experiences that followed.

At Columbia University, students had the unique opportunity to operate and AFM, visualizing carbon atoms on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite and observing nanostructures on insulating substrates. This experience not only enhanced their practical skills but also connected theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. The trip concluded with a visit to Manhattan's downtown, juxtaposing the microscopic world they had explored with the vastness of the bustling city. This educational excursion was a vivid demonstration of how science intertwines with the broader world, inspiring our students to envision future scientific endeavors.

Dr. Kwang Rim, originally from Gwangju, South Korea, holds a Bachelor's in Physics and a minor in Math from Jeonnam National University. After moving to the U.S. in 1986, he earned his Master's and Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Oregon. His research focused on the internal dynamics of atom aggregates and later on laser spectroscopy at North Dakota State University. Joining Columbia University in 1999, he initially worked on environmental molecular sciences, then shifted to nanoscale science, contributing significantly to isolating single-layer graphene. Later, in Columbia's Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, he developed laser crystallization techniques for silicon in flat-panel displays. Now retired in Limestone, Dr. Rim's family, including a neurologist son and a chef son, remains in New York. He enjoys playing tennis.