• We successfully realized millisecond-order X-ray phase tomography using a fringe-scanning method in grating-based X-ray interferometry. We obtained phase tomograms with a measurement time of 4.43 ms using a white synchrotron X-ray beam. The use of a fringe-scanning method enables us to achieve not only a higher spatial resolution but also a higher signal-to-noise ratio than that attained by the Fourier transform method. In addition, our approach can be applied to realize four-dimensional or high-throughput X-ray tomography for samples that can be rotated at a high speed.

• Fukuyama laboratory studies novel material processing based on chemical thermodynamics with high-temperature thermophysical property measurements. As examples, we are developing new crystal growth processes to bring a breakthrough in nitride-semiconductor devices, which are promising materials for next-generation optical devices applied in environmental, medical, bio and information technologies fields. Database of thermophysical properties of materials is needed for modeling heat and mass transports in materials processes.

A new thermophysical property measurement system is currently under development, which enables accurate measurements of heat capacity, thermal conductivity, emissivity, density and surface tension of high-temperature melts, utilizing electromagnetic levitation in a dc magnetic field.

• We are studying hydrogen embrittlement property of high strength steels from the aspects of both the effect of hydrogen on mechanical properties of high strength steels and hydrogen uptake behavior in corrosive environments. The topics of our study includes clarification of mechanism of hydrogen embrittlement of various steels, investigation of hydrogen entry caused by corrosion using electrochemical techniques, hydrogen visualization, proposing evaluation methods for hydrogen embrittlement property and so forth.

Collaborative research in the field of hydrogen embrittlement, for example, hydrogen embrittlement properties of high strength steels and the effects of metallographic structure and hydrogen traps, proposal of evaluation methods for hydrogen embrittlement property for some specific steel and for parts with specific shape, development of novel hydrogen visualization techniques.

Light curing high strength resin mold
https://www.t-technoarch.co.jp/data/anken_en/T11-053.pdf

• The cold spray (CS) technique is known as a new technique not only for coating but also for thick depositions. It has many advantages, i.e. dense coating, high deposition rate, low oxidation, and no phase transformation. We have been carrying out establishment of innovative preparing and coating techniques using the CS, and maintenance of reliability and safety of the cold sprayed repairing parts and coatings. Moreover, in order to evaluate the compatibility between a substrate material and particles based on an adhesion mechanism and scientific basis, various adhesion conditions are examined a micro / nano-structure observation and a molecular simulation.

Our targets were mainly hot section parts of thermal power plants and reactor piping and tubes etc. Recently, it is possible to make a ceramic coating. Therefore, we accelerate the evolution of the other fields including the creation of the functionality materials in near future.

• For producing a new functionality from metallic micro and nano matarials, the welding and cutting technologies for small scale materials utilizing Joule heat has been developed (Fig. 1). A constant direct current is supplied to the system, where the free ends of two metallic wires are contacted, and the ends are successfully welded together in self-completed manner. This technology is also useful for manipulating a small scale materials.

Joule heat welding technology enables us to produce the functional elements on the electrode chips, e.g., a free-standing micro-ring and very-thin thermoelectric element (Fig. 2). Moreover, we have developed the technique for characterizing the physical properties of small scale materials (Fig. 3). We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

• Our research group has succeeded in synthesizing various metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled size and exposure crystal planes by using organic modifiers under supercritical water conditions. The oxygen storage/release capacity of those materials in the low-temperature region is very high, and the reforming reaction of oxidative hydrocarbon proceeds at a significant rate. Besides, by combining the supercritical CO2 drying method, we have succeeded in forming a complex in which oxide nanoparticles are dispersed at a high concentration on the surface of the porous material, realizing both high oxygen storage/release capability and stability.

Low-temperature reforming reaction of biomass wastes, heavy oils, and methane. In the future, it is expected to be a technology that will lead to the construction of a low-carbon society, including CO2-free complete recycling of waste plastics.

• The aim of our research are to obtain the high accuracy sensor system for the signals from the human body or electric devices and to obtain the system for approaching action to the human body by using the nano-scale controlled magnetic materials and by the development of the devices under the functions of the magnetics.
• We studied the mechanism of obtaining the magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic thin films for the sensitive magnetic sensors. We obtained a non-metal probe for high frequency magnetic field, and confirmed the probe can measure the high frequency magnetic field with its phase information. In addition, 3D position detecting system using magnetic markers was studied to improve its position accuracy. The study about the magnetic actuator driven by the external magnetic field was carried out for biomimetic robots using the rotational magnetic field, and small wireless pumps were obtained and clarified for their application for an artificial heart-support pump.

<Medical Applications>
Motion system for capsule endoscope, Support system for endoscopic surgery, Position detecting system (motion capture), Wireless pump for artificial heart
<Sensors>
Magnetic field sensors, Strain sensors, Wireless sensors
<Materials>
Electrical steels of ultra low loss, Electrochemicaly produced materials (structure controlled in nano-scale)

• In order to solve the energy and environmental problems, the development of the high-functional and high-performance materials is required in a wide variety of research fields such as fuel cell, Li-ion battery, tribology etc. Especially, the recent material technologies constitute of multi-physics and multi-scale phenomena including chemical reaction, friction, impact, stress, fluid, photon, electron, heat, electric and magnetic fields etc. on nano- and macro-scales. Therefore, Kubo laboratory is pioneering the development of multi-physics and multi-scale simulator on the basis of quantum chemistry and is utilizing supercomputers "Fugaku" and "MASAMUNE-IMR" for realizing the theoretical material design with high-accuracy.

We utilize our developed multi-physics and multi-scale simulation technology on the basis of quantum chemistry for acceelerating the material development in a wide variety of private companies of automotive, machinery, power, electronics, material, metal, chemistry etc. and then contribute to solving the energy and environmental problems.