• Our research target is mainly focused on the topic of development of novel scintillator crystals, piezoelectric crystals, growth technology, characterization and its device application.
• We design and synthesize new materials from a view point of Crystal Chemistry, and investigate their structure and physical properties. We also study on photo-detector, as suitable photo-detector fully contribute to get maximum signal from scintillator. This activity is very important to realize practical application of our developed materials. Recently, piezoelectric material and high melting temperature alloy project is also started.

For the purpose of "real" contribution to human culture, we are always carrying out our research activity considering the industrial application. This point is unique feature of our attitude toward science.

• Conventional X-ray imaging methods that rely on X-ray attenuation cannot generate clear contrast in the observation of low-density materials such as polymers consisting of low-Z elements. However, the sensitivity to the materials can be improved drastically by X-ray phase imaging that detects X-ray refraction caused by the materials. X-ray Talbot or Talbot-Lau interferometry consisting of X-ray transmission gratings is now constructed in laboratories for X-ray phase imaging. X-ray phase tomography is also realized, enabling high-sensitive three-dimensional observation.
• X-ray phase imaging can be utilized for X-ray non-destructive testing of industrial products and baggage that cannot be checked conventionally.

We aim at appending a phase-contrast mode to micro-CT apparatuses and developing screening apparatuses in production lines.

• 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.

• 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.