My Journey to CHMFL
I am Mahmoud A. Khalifa from Egypt, and my Chinese name is 哈里发. I am currently a Lecturer/assistant professor at the Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt. After graduating in July 2022 from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), I embarked on a new chapter in my career by joining the High Magnetic Field Laboratory (CHMFL), the Hefei Institute of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Science Island.
This state-of-the-art facility is a global center for scientific innovation, and I am honored to be a member of Professor SHENG Zhigao's research group, which is at the forefront of exploring the frontiers of materials under high magnetic fields.
My journey to Science Island was not just a professional one; it was also a family affair. My wife, Shereen, was concurrently pursuing her PhD at the Institute of Intelligent Machines on Science Island under the supervision of Professor HUANG Qing. Her dedication and hard work resulted in a successful graduation in 2023. In 2024, my professional trajectory received a significant boost when I was awarded the prestigious Alliance of National and International Science Organizations (ANSO) Visiting Scholar Program. This opportunity, facilitated by the support of Professor SHENG Zhigao at CHMFL—one of China's mega science facilities—allows me to explore scientific experiments under extreme conditions, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of material science and physics under the CHMFL effect.
Facilities and professors of CHMFL
Embark on a journey through the High Magnetic Field Laboratory (CHMFL), a powerhouse of scientific innovation located on Science Island, Hefei.
This state-of-the-art facility is home to an array of impressive magnets and a team of brilliant professors, making it a global leader in magnetic field research.
CHMFL's Magnets: A World of Discovery
1. Water-Cooled Magnets (WM): 6 Resistive magnets, HMFL's WM6 stands out with a record-breaking 42.02 T field, the strongest of its kind on the planet.
2. Superconducting Magnets (SM): Comprising 4 magnets, each serves a unique purpose:
SM1: Unveils new material phenomena through ultrafast magneto-optical spectroscopy.
SM2: Enables advanced studies with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM).
SM3: Delivers high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) capabilities.
SM4: Contributes to medical research with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
3. Hybrid Magnet: Setting a new world record, this magnet reached an amazing 45.22 T in August 2022, an amazing 900 thousand times stronger than Earth's magnetic field. This achievement positions CHMFL's hybrid magnet as the world's strongest.
Supporting Systems:
• High-Stability Power Supply: Ensures a steady flow of electricity to the magnets.
• Water-Cooling System: Manages the cooling process for water-cooled magnets with tanks and chillers.
• Cryogenic System: Provides liquid helium for the superconducting magnets, maintaining their superconducting state.
• Central Control System: the authority center where dedicated teachers and engineers monitor and control the facility's operations.
Global Recognition and Impact:
CHMFL is one of only five major steady-state strong magnetic field laboratories globally, alongside those in the United States, France, Netherlands, and Japan. The 45.22 T hybrid magnet in Hefei outshines them all. The professors at CHMFL are not only at the forefront of cutting-edge research but also play a pivotal role in training and educating young researchers. They guide and inspire young researchers to lead the country scientifically, aligning with China's current leadership in various scientific fields and industrial technology development. Owing to these facilities and the insistent efforts of the researchers, CHMFL has made significant strides in numerous disciplines, including physics, materials science, chemistry, biology, engineering technology, and medicine. Each year, the CHMFL has international publications in top journals, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of scientific excellence.
My research @ CHMFL
Briefly, the application of magnetic fields offers a powerful means to regulate the phase components and microscopic morphology of materials, emerging as a crucial technique for developing novel materials and enhancing their physical, chemical, and functional properties.
At HMFL, we primarily utilize superconducting magnets to conduct experiments for two projects:
Project 1: Material Synthesis Under High Magnetic Fields (HMFL)
Our first project focuses on synthesizing materials under the influence of high magnetic fields, creating extreme experimental conditions that enable the discovery of novel materials and phenomena not observable under conventional conditions. The high magnetic field not only governs the growth of materials through thermodynamic kinetics but also enhances their functionality for various applications, such as electromagnetic wave absorption in the GHz range.
To facilitate this project, Professor Sheng’s research group developed a magneto-solvothermal setup in 2023. This setup includes a 10 T magnet equipped with a control unit, a heating reactor with a temperature controller to precisely program reaction temperatures and durations, and a water chiller to maintain optimal cooling for the outer side of the heating reactor.
Project 2: Magneto-Alignment of Layered Materials
Our second project explores the magneto-alignment of layered materials, such as exfoliated nanosheets or flakes, to enhance properties like electromagnetic wave absorption in the GHz and THz ranges, as well as thermal conductivity. By integrating magneto-alignment with a transmission optical microscope, we can effectively control and monitor the alignment process.
We conduct a comprehensive investigation into the effects of high magnetic fields on crystal phase, morphology, aligned microstructure, and electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption of some transition metal dichalcogenides compounds. These compounds are not only cost-effective and easy to synthesize, but they also exhibit a diverse range of morphologies and phase transitions. Additionally, they possess excellent magnetic and dielectric properties, making them ideal candidates for achieving high electromagnetic wave absorption. Through these pioneering projects, we aim to unlock new possibilities in material science, paving the way for innovative applications in technology and industry.
International Division of Science Island
Actually, the International Division of Science Island often organizes social activities and events under the orientation of Mrs. Dong Shaohua, Head of the International Collaboration Division, to reduce academic stress, have fun, and enjoy life on Science Island. They like to raise the flag of “We Are One” to increase the feeling of belonging and contribution to the science island. They are so helpful, friendly, and supportive. Also, Science Island is a good place for a quiet life, not crowded, not noisy. It has basic facilities for a good life with reasonable prices. There are shuttle buses, kindergarten, primary, middle school all of these affiliated to Science Island. Science Island may be a good place to start a research career for a bright future.
Finally, I would like to thank and gratitude Professor Sheng Zhigao for giving me this opportunity to join HMFL and for his dedication on the work to promote research quality and progress, and for strictly managing the research group to teach and push young researchers to be more qualified and responsible. His leadership has not only pushed the progress of our work but also inspired us to strive for excellence in a challenging way. Also, I am deeply appreciative of my fellow group members, both current and former students and colleagues, for the enriching dialogues, ongoing support, and insightful suggestions. Teamwork has significantly contributed to my growth as a researcher. A special note of thanks goes to my colleague Qiu Wenjun, her exceptional assistance has been a beacon of support for me and my family on social life/family troubles with great help. I am thankful to all of those who have contributed in any way to my career’s growth and enjoyment in the science island. Thanks!
