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Dr. Masato Kotsugi Takes Top Place in Japan Institute of Metals Micrograph Award (Topic)

Release Date
28 Mar, 2010
  • Award

Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute

Winners:
Dr. Masato Kotsugi of the Research and Utilization Division, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute
Guest Professor Chiharu Mitsumata of the Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University

Dr. Masato Kotsugi Prof. Chiharu Mitsumata
Dr. Masato Kotsugi Prof. Chiharu Mitsumata

Award-winning work:
The Japan Institute of Metals Micrograph Award is awarded to metallographic works (micrographs) of particularly high academic value showing originality in the selection of samples, methods and results. Dr. Masato Kotsugi, a scientist of the Research and Utilization Division of Japan Synchrotron Radiation research Institute (JASRI), and Guest Professor Chiharu Mitsumata of Tohoku University shared the top place in the Division of Microscopy of the 60th Japan Institute of Metals Micrograph Award. They received this award for their research project “Observation of Metallographic Structure and Magnetic Domain Structure of Iron Meteorites Using Photoelectron Microscope.” Their efforts to clarify the magnetic properties of iron meteorites, which have long remained unclear, from the viewpoint of material science were highly acclaimed. The research team directly observed the nanometer-scale magnetic domain structures of iron meteorites using a photoelectron microscope connected to the Soft X-ray Spectroscopy of Solid Beamline (BL25SU) and the Magnetic Materials Beamline (BL39XU) at SPring-8. As a result, they concluded that the magnetic domain structures originate from tetrataenite (an L10 nickel-iron ordered alloy), which is an iron-nickel phase unique to iron meteorites. The tetrataenite phase with the magnetic properties found in this research is attracting attention as a material for the next-generation resource-saving and low-power-consumption magnetic memory, which will contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society in our country.

The award-winning micrograph will be nominated for the International Metallographic Contest.

Related link:
http://apex.ipap.jp/link?APEX/3/013001/

Awards ceremony on 28 March 2010

Awards ceremony (at University of Tsukuba on 28 March 2010)