• Our research group investigates creation of functional oxides and their functionalities. We synthesize thin films by pulsed laser deposition and sputtering methods and bulk specimens, and develop their novel synthetic routes. Recently, we are studying electrically conducting rare earth oxides, transparent room temperature ferromagnetic semiconductors, and layered superconductors with monatomic Bi layer. We will develop our materials design by extending materials range and performing oxide heteroepitaxy.

Collaborative research in fields of oxide electronics with novel electric conducting oxides and oxide spintronics with ferromagnetic semiconductors and novel ferromagnetic oxides.

• Nanoporous metals have drawn considerable attention due to their highly functional properties. They are generally produced by selective dissolution of elements from a multicomponent alloy (known as the dealloying method). As this method is based on differences in the electrode potential of each element present in the alloy, and this potential is high for noble metals, porous structure can be obtained only for noble metals. Recently we have found a new, simple and easy dealloying method without using aqueous solution, which enable us to develop an open nanoporous non-oxidized metallic material even with base metals (such as Ti, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mo, etc), metalloids and their alloys.

This technique is very powerful for developing new functional electrodes, catalysts, filters as well for removing toxic metallic element from the surface of biomaterials containing the toxic element.

• Organicl compounds, such as liquid-crsytals, polymers, etc., can be hybridized with inorganic materials in atomic level, in particuar, with nanoparticles. Both of high effeciency of processing ease for the former and high possibilities of physical properties for the latter can be attained through the complete solution of trade-off characteristics. For example, this atomic-level hybridization technique makes inorganic nanoparticles active for the response like a liquid crystal. By using this method, we expect we can conduct effective collaborative research in medical fields.

• Nanoparticles and/or fine particles to be used for functional materials, such as semiconductor, photocatalysts, dielectric and/or piezoelectric materials, cosmetics, catalysts, etc., has been synthesized in liquid-phase. Their size, shape, composition, and structure have been <strong>precisely controlled</strong> along an expected usage. <strong>Tailor-made synthesis method</strong> has been provided for nanoparticles and/or fine particles the companies wish to use.

Until now, we have been supplying nanoparticles and/or fine particles of ITO (Indium Tin Oxides) as TCO, Bi based or Nb based particles for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, perovskite-based oxides for dielectric materials etc. The gel-sol method as the main synthesis method for uniform particles makes the production cost reduced.

• To realize IoT society, it is required the sensors, which function without battery charge. We study on energy harvesting materials using our knowledge about materials mechanics and numerical simulation such as finite element method. We recently address to develop energy harvesting devices, which can recovery the unharnessed　energy around us as electrical energy.

• We are doing theoretical research on electrical conductivity in magnetoresistive devices using highly spin-polarized materials. The aim is to achieve very functional spintronics devices such as read-out heads for ultrahigh-density magnetic recording and non-volatile spin memories. We also investigate magnetoresistive devices using perpendicularly magnetized materials to ensure endurance against thermal fluctuations of the magnetization. We successfully achieve a guideline for improvement of the magnetoresistive performance by designing the crystal structure at the interface between ferromagnets and oxides theoretically.
• We believe that first-principles calculations, which need no empirical parameter, play a very important role in research and development of various materials. Please contact us if you want to collaborate with us.

• Flexible liquid crystal displays using thin plastic film substrates instead of glass substrates contained in current liquid crystal displays, are bendable, thin, lightweight, and do not crack, and generate new usage styles and human interfaces due to their excellent storability and portability. We have been researching the basic technologies for large-screen and high-quality flexible displays using functional organic materials including liquid crystal and polymer, so that anyone can enjoy fertile information services.

We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company in industry, for development and practical application of the advanced flexible display technologies.