Tohoku University. Research Profiles

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"P" Keywords - 101 Result(s)

P

 P

[Polymer]

Advanced Technology on Flexible Liquid Crystal Displays

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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.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

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

Department of Electronic Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering
FUJIKAKE Hideo, Professor Ph. D.

Bio-inspired engineering for energy and biological applications

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Our goal is "bio-inspired engineering" to create new functions that exhibit functions beyond the nature systems by learning from their superior functions and incorporating them into creating materials and devices. For example, the development of surface treatment and adhesives learned from mussels, the development of anti-biofouling substrates learned from pitcher plants, the design of non-platinum catalysts for highly active fuel cells (hydrogen, enzymes, microbes, etc.) learned from hemoglobin, and needle-type biosensors learned from biological needles.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Based on electrochemistry and polymer chemistry, I provide technologies and expertise in the energy, biotechnology, and electrical and electronic fields, including metal-air batteries, fuel cells, surface treatment, adhesion, biosensors, etc.

Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences
ABE Hiroya, Assistant Professor Ph. D. in Electrochemistry

[Polymer electrolyte fuel cell]

Surface scientific approach for developments in fuel cell's catalysts

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From catalytic perspective, molecular-level understanding of surface phenomena occurring at nano-sized metal (alloy) particle surfaces is a key for developing highly active and durable catalysts. Our experimental approach for studying catalysis is preparations of well-defined metals or alloy surfaces by using ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) techniques. We routinely use UHV-MBE, surface vibrational spectroscopy (IR, Raman), scanning probe microscopy (SPM), electron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical (EC) voltammetry, gas-chromatography (GC) etc., and try to clarify the solid surface phenomena on atomic, molecular-levels. We believe our research results directly link to future eco-friendly society.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Graduate School of Environmental Studies
WADAYAMA Toshimasa, Professor Doctor of Engineering

[Polymer Electrolyte Membrane]

Quantum and Molecular Dynamic Simulations of Transport Phenomena in Fuel Cell

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It is necessary to grasp nanoscale transport phenomena of materials in polymer electrolyte fuel cell to improve its performance. In our laboratory, nanoscale transport phenomena are analyzed by large scale molecular dynamics simulations using a supercomputer system. As the present theme, the dependence of the materials or structures of polymer electrolyte membrane on the ability of proton transfer(Fig. 1), the ability of proton transfer or oxygen permeability of ionomer in catalyst layer(Fig. 2), and the mechanism of transport phenomena of a water droplet in a nano pore in gas diffusion layer or micro porous layer(Fig. 3), are analyzed in detail.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

These research can be applied to the analysis of flow field in devices which have nanoscale structure, for instance, fabrication process of semiconductor, friction phenomena of such nanoscale devices or next generation batteries, as well as the field of fuel cell.

Quantum Nanoscale Flow Systems Laboratory, Institute of Fluid Science
TOKUMASU Takashi, Professor Doctor of Engineering

[Polymer film]

Dry-Contact Ultrasonic Technique

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A new dry-contact technique for transduction of broadband, high-frequency ultrasound via a solid layer inserted between water and the sample, whereat the pressure of about 0.1 MPa is applied at the layer/sample interface by evacuating air between them, has been developed. Based on the technique, acoustic imaging of an electronic package is realized under the dry environment (Fig. 1). Typically, the polymer films are used as the intermediate layer for water protection of the sample, and by utilizing the acoustic resonance phenomenon among water, film and the sample, higher quality acoustic image of the testing sample than that for the water immersion case can be recorded without getting the sample wet (Fig. 2). Moreover, thin materials, e.g., polymer film (Fig. 3), etc. can be characterized by analyzing the acoustic resonance phenomenon among the three media. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

Graduate School of Engineering
TOHMYOH Hironori, Professor Doctor of Engineering

[polymer resist/mold material]

Photo-Functional Advanced Materials for Nanofabrication by Nanoimprint Lithography

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Nakagawa group has dedicated to pursue scientific principles for molecular control of interface function occurring at polymer/other material interfaces and to put them into practice in nanoimprint lithography promising as a next generation nanofabrication tool. We are developing advanced photo-functional materials such as sticking molecular layers for "fix by light", UV-curable resins and antisticking molecular layers for "preparation by light", fluorescent resist materials for "inspection by light", and hybrid optical materials "available to light" and new research tools such as mechanical measurement systems to evaluate release property of UV-curable resins.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Our research aims at creating new devices to control photon, electron, and magnetism.

Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials
NAKAGAWA Masaru, Professor Doctor of Engineering

[population]

Economics of Aging

Features

I investigate on the economics of aging, the optimal social welfare policy, low fertility and so on not based on the historical and systematic approach but based on the neo-classical economic theory. I also use econometric method and statistical approach. I often estimate the future projections of the population, public finance, magnitude of private markets, the results of public policies.
I also research on the comparative studies on East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan) and European (especially Scandinavian countries). I provide statistic data and information on the economic and political systems on the aging in Japan.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

The future estimation on the financial status , market caused by low fertility and aging. The effective management of the medical institutions, social welfare systems, gender equality societies for the central and local government, research institutions, public enterprises, and financial Institutions.

Graduate School of Economics and Managemant
YOSHIDA Hiroshi, Professor

[population dynamics]

Mathematical Biology

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Principal subject of our study is the mathematical model analysis to make clear or present the point at issue for scientific discussion about real biological/social phenomena, or to promote the advanced theoretical research: what theoretical problem about target phenomenon is treated, how the problem is mathematically modeled, what mathematical analysis is applied for the model, and how the mathematical result is lead to the discussion in biological/social science.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Graduate School of Information Sciences
SENO Hiromi, Professor Doctor of Science

[porous ceramics]

Low-Temperature Synthesis of SiC Porous Bulk by Using Na

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SiC ceramics is generally prepared at high temperature of 1200–2000ºC. We are able to prepare SiC at around 700ºC by using Na. Nano-powder of beta-type SiC was obtained from a mixture of Si and carbon powders in a Na melt. SiC porous ceramics were synthesized by heating mixtures of Si powder and carbon black at 700–900ºC in Na vapor. Biomorphic cellular SiC ceramics were formed by heating carbonized woods at 700 ºC with a Na-Si melt.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Applications : SiC porous ceramics are used in a wide range of applications, such as filters for gas or molten metal, diesel particle filters, catalysis supports, and light-weight structural materials.
Industry : Ceramic Engineering

Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials
YAMANE Hisanori, Professor Doctor of Science

[positron]

Analysis and Function Elucidation of Fine Clusters and Defects in Materials Invisible by Electron Microscopy

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It is well known that nano-scale impurity/solute clusters, defects, defect clusters and their complexes affect the mechanical and electrical properties in materials. However, it is very difficult to observe these objects even by state-of-the-art electron microscopes. We overcome the difficulty by employing noble two techniques: laser three-dimensional atom probe (3D-AP) technique and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). Laser 3D-AP can map out each atom in various materials (metals, semiconductors, insulators) in three-dimensional real space with nearly atomic scale resolution. PAS can detect vacancy-type defects and defect-impurity complexes very sensitively.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

By combining these methods, we are going to reveal the functions of the fine impurity clusters and defects to the materials: developments of new nano-structured materials, the mechanism of degradation of aged structural materials, the fall in the yield of semiconductor device production, and developments of quantum devices etc.

Institute for Materials Research
NAGAI Yasuyoshi, Professor PhD

[positron emission tomography]

Functional and Molecular Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

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Using positron emission tomography (PET), we can measure the regional metabolism, perfusion and signal transmission between neurotransmitters and receptors in various organ systems of living humans and animals, such as the brain and heart. Recent technical developments have shown that the mind, or at least some parts of it, can be demonstrated by "imaging".

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Our group has had considerable achievements in clinical research on drug effects and side effects, elucidation of underlying mechanism of alternative and complementary therapies, as well as exercise physiology.

Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center
TASHIRO Manabu, Professor doctor of medical sciences

[Positron Emission Tomography (PET)]

Molecular Imaging from Basic Research to Clinical Application

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Molecular Imaging and its Application to Drug Development: Positron emission tomography (PET) comprises the administration of carbon-11- or fluorine-18-labeled tracers to human subjects in order to describe the concentration-time profile in body tissues targeted for treatment. As PET involves the administration of only microgram amounts of unlabeled drug, the potential risk to human subjects is very limited. Consequently, required preclinical safety testing is reduced as compared to conventional human studies.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

PET molecular imaging studies are gaining increasing importance in clinical drug research, as they have the potential to shorten time-lines and cut costs along the critical path of drug development. We have developed several PET tracers for molecular imaging such as amyloid imaging and central nervous system drug research at Tohoku University, Japan. We will present the recent progress and strategy of "PET molecular imaging" in order to accelerate drug development.

Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, and Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center
YANAI Kazuhiko, Professor MD., PhD

[Powder metallurgy]

Microwave Processing of Functional Inorganic Materials

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Microwave processing is one of the attractive fields in recent materials processing. We perform various materials processing using non-equilibrium reaction field induced by microwave and/or ultrasonic irradiation. The topic contains powder metallurgy, nitride coatings, synthesis of new functional materials, fabrication of nanoparticles, etc. Recently we have developed a new TiN coating method using our microwave irradiation equipment operated at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The method is simple but applicable to various substrates with complex shape. This method can be applied to various nitride coatings and will open a new coating technology in many fields of applications.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

The major targets of TiN coatings are for cutting tools, ball bearings, dental implants, die and mold for stamping, and ornaments. The newly developed method makes it possible to perform nitride coatings within a short time using a standard microwave heating equipment. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of these technology.

Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering
TAKIZAWA Hirotsugu, Professor Doctor of Engineering

[Power Plant]

Electromagnetic Nondestructive Inspection System for Complicated Structures

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We develop sensing technologies, intelligent materials and evaluation technologies of materials for the optimization of maintenance for massive complex system such as energy plants. We work for electromagnetic nondestructive testing and monitoriing for complicated structures. We also develop the method for characterization of material degradation.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

We want to work together with industries who are interested in nondestructive testing and material evaluation using applied electromagnetic methods.

Tohoku Forum for Creativity
TAKAGI Toshiyuki, Professor Doctor of Engineering

[precision measurement]

Development of Sensors and Measuring Systems for Ultra-Precision Manufacturing and Nanomanufacturing

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The research is being focused on measurement of surface forms of precision workpieces and stage motions of precision machines, which are important items for ultra-precision manufacturing and nanomanufacturing. Optical sensors are being developed for measurement of angle and displacement, which are fundamental quantities for manufacturing. Technologies for improvement of the sensor sensitivity and bandwidth, reduction of the sensor size as well as new multi-axis sensing methods are being The research is being focused on measurement of surface forms of precision workpieces and stage motions of precision machines. Optical sensors are being developed for measurement of angle and displacement. A number of scanning-type measuring systems for precision measurement of surface forms and stage motions are also being developed. Error separation algorithms and systems for straightness and roundness, which are the most fundamental geometries treated in ultra-precision manufacturing, are being investigated. Novel systems based on scanning probe microscopy are under development for micro- and nano-structures as well as freeform optics in responding to new and important challenges from ultra-precision manufacturing and nanomanufacturing.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

The multi-axis optical displacement and angle sensors developed in the laboratory are expected to measure motions of semiconductor/IC manufacturing and inspection equipment, precision machine tools, ultra-precision measuring instrument. The surface profile measurement systems are expected t play an important role in ultra-precision manufacturing and nanomanufacturing industries.

Department of Nanomechanics, Graduate School of Engineering
GAO Wei, Professor PhD

[Prediction]

Lymph node metastasis prediction and treatment evaluation system

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1. pressure sensor (needle, optical fiber, etc.) can be inserted into the lymph node to evaluate the risk of lymph node metastasis and treatment.
2. domestic patent obtained

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Joint research with a medical device manufacturer to develop a diagnosis and treatment system for lymph node metastasis

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering
KODAMA Tetsuya, Professor PhD (Engineering), PhD (Medicine)

[Prediction of Fractures]

Prediction and Prevention of Fractures

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We have been developing methods for explicating the dominant factors that determine the physical and chemical properties of materials and stacked structures used in human societies. Since the number of element atoms which consists of advanced materials has been increasing, and the crystallographic structure of the materials has become very complicated, both the various properties and reliability of the materials fluctuate significantly in nano-scale, and thus, deteriorate easily due to the local damages of the materials.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

To design the optimal structure, composition of materials, and the fabrication process of both materials and stacked structures, we are going to develop a method of analyzing the atomic structure of thin film materials based on quantum mechanics and experimental methods for measuring material properties, atomic scale damage or defects in nano-materials.

Fracture and Reliability Research Institute, Graduate School of Engineering
MIURA Hideo, Professor PhD., Dr. of Engineering

[preference]

Food Palatability, Product Usability, and Preference; An Approach from Psychology and Neuroscience.

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My research interest is peoples' perception of external stimulus. Based on these researches and our knowledge, I can offer you an idea of the products that give consumers satisfaction. Also on the basis of psychological and neuro-scientifc experiences and knowledges, I can offer you a transdisciplinary approaches on human perception, cognition, emotion and decision making.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Marketing and developing of the products such as foods, beverages, fabric softeners, perfumes, body deodorants etc. The knowledges and research tools are also useful in regulating the malodor in the air pollution, in developing the public services and in elevating public quality of life.

Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Arts and Letters
SAKAI Nobuyuki, Professor PhD of Human Sciences

[Preteolysis]

Elucidation of oncogenesis by Fbxw7

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In life science research field, it is noteworthy issue how information in genome is interpreted and is transferred to functional molecules. However, during these 10 years, we convinced that the amount of proteins, final functional molecules was regulated by not only by production but also by degradation. For examples, the amount of c-Myc, which promotes cell cycle and inhibits cell death, increase in many types of cancer by failure of protein degradation.
We have generated model mice in which function of Fbxw7, inducer of c-Myc degradation is suppressed. We observed promotion of oncogenesis in these mice, suggesting that Fbxw7 is oncosuppressor gene. In other words, Fbxw7 has a great potential to regulate oncogenesis or progress of cancer. These molecules specified the target proteins for proteolysis suggesting that modification of these molecules leads to develop oncosuppressive therapy. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this knowledge in industry.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

Graduate School of Medicine
NAKAYAMA Keiko, Professor Medical Doctor

[prevention]

Biomarker Development and Preemptive Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease

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Over the past 20 years, our understanding of molecular pathology of dementia and AD has dramatically deepened, and new biomarkers including amyloid PET and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid42/tau as well as therapeutic strategies have been developed. However, clinical trials of disease-modifying drugs in mild to moderate AD were unsuccessful or were halted due to serious adverse drug effects.

Targeted Application(s)/Industry

These results strongly suggest that disease-modifying therapies should be started much earlier before a widespread neuron death will occur. We hope that early detection and prevention with preemptive therapy may lead to a success of fighting AD.

Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer
ARAI Hiroyuki, Professor MD, PhD