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National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Department of Materials and Chemistry

AIST-UTokyo
Advanced Operando-Measurement Technology
Open Innovation Laboratory

Greeting
Human beings have started to gather knowledge on nature by observation, that is, by accurate inspection.
Nanotechnology has developed similarly: it began with nano-observation. In other words, you cannot make a thing you cannot see.
Buddhism has eight basic practices that constitute the Noble Eightfold
Path: Right View, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Eﬀort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. This process holds true in scientiﬁc procedures in basic science, as well, including processes in basic science
employed in applied research and those leading to product development for the welfare and happiness of human beings in the end.
This is exactly the aim of “AIST-UTokyo Advanced Operando-Measurement Technology Open Innovation Laboratory (OPERANDO-OIL).” We utilize techniques to measure materials/devices in actual
working conditions (operando measurement) to deepen our understanding of basic science, andsimultaneously make eﬀorts to proceed to product development.
We expect interested researchers and companies to actively participate in OPERANDO-OIL.
Yoshiyuki AMEMIYA
Director, Laboratory

Aim of OPERANDO-OIL
OPERANDO-OIL combines fundamental technologies for advanced measurement and materials
with new physical properties developed by the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and research potentials
for precise measurement and material/device technology put forth by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), to establish the Advanced Operando-Measurement
Technology and develop it further for application to a broad range of innovative materials, devices,and manufacturing technologies, and to act as a “bridge” between companies.

Solution of social issues,
creation of new industries
Acceleration of “bridging”
New needs/ideas,
collaboration

・ Consortium formation
・ Large projects

Realization of new materials
and innovative devices

・Solution of biomolecular dynamics
・Solution of functions of organic electronic materials
・Development of advanced aqua process
・Solution of process of laser beam machining

Cross-appointment

Panoramic view of the Univ. ofTokyo Kashiwa Campus

AIST UTokyo
Cooperation Site

Human resource development(research assistants, post-doctoral fellows)

Advanced Operando-Mesuremeant Technology
AIST・Circular dichroism spectroscopy
・Terahertz absorption spectroscopy
・Positron probe under atmosphericenvironment
・Cryoelectron microscope

2

The Univ. of Tokyo

・Soft X-ray emission spectrometry
・Polarization imaging ・Diﬀracted X-ray
tracking (DXT) ・Absolute emission
・Image measurement
・Laser photoelectron spectroscopy
・Time resolved spectroscopy

Organization

Director, Laboratory:Special Adviser:

Deputy Director,
Laboratory:

Principal Research
Manager:Prof. Y. AMEMIYAPhD T. SASAKIPhD J. ISHIIPhD S. HARA

(Project Prof. UTokyo)

Laboratory Team
Tough Composite Materials Process Team
（p.4）
PhD Y. HAKUTA*（AIST）

Prof. K. TERASHIMA†(UTokyo)Organic Device and Spectroscopy Team
（p.5）
PhD M. MUKAIDA(AIST)

Prof. H. OKAMOTO*,†(UTokyo)

Advanced Coherent Photon Process Team
（p.6）
PhD R. KURODA*（AIST）

Prof. Y. KOBAYASHI(UTokyo)

Biomolecular Dynamics Team
（p.7）
PhD K. MIO*（AIST）

Prof. Y. SASAKI†(UTokyo)*：Laboratory Team Leader †：AIST cross-appointment fellow

FS(Feasibility Study) themes※
Innovative operando microscopic technique realizing the evaluation of
next-generation nanodevices under operation（p.8）

PhD. H. AKINAGA (AIST), Prof. S. SHIN (UTokyo)

Operando measurement-based exploration of health functions of underusedmaterials originating from bioresources（p.9）

PhD. K. TOMINAGA (AIST), Prof. Y. OHYA (UTokyo)

Evaluation of structural vacancy in an icosahedral cluster solid by positronprobe and creation of semiconducting quasicrystals and high-performance
thermoelectric materials（p.10）PhD N. OSHIMA (AIST), Prof. K. KIMURA (UTokyo)

Research on the sophistication of secondary batteries by ultrahighresolution soft X-ray spectroscopic analysis
PhD H. MATSUDA (AIST), Prof. Y. HARADA (UTokyo)（p.11）※：Themes conducted in FY2017

3

Introduction of Laboratory Team

Tough Composite Materials Process Team
Leaders: Y. HAKUTA (AIST), K. TERASHIMA (UTokyo)

PurposeOur team aims at creating tough composite materials that have both high functional property and mechanicalstrength. We have focused on inorganic particles with high functional property and slide-ring polymers exhibiting
ﬂexible and tough mechanical properties. In order to create a composite material of both materials in which inorganic
particles serve as cross-linking junction points, we will develop an innovative process (advanced aqua process) for
promoting a reaction to create a composite by introducing a solvent, notably water, to be used in the reaction ﬁeldsof synthesis to a supercritical or plasma state. Furthermore, we will understand the properties of composite materials
in an actual environment and the generation eﬃciencies and reaction mechanisms of reaction species in reaction
ﬁelds by using operando measurement techniques and we will aim for the speedy development of the advanced aquaprocess and the realization of tough composite materials.

Our research

Slide-ring polymer
1) Development of an advanced aqua process and tough Inorganic nanoparticle
composites
We will develop an advanced aqua process, which integrates solution processes, including the production of
tough composites, along with a supercritical ﬂuid process
and a plasma process 1) to improve the compatibility
between polymers and inorganic particles or between
these particles and solvents, which is key to synthesizing
tough composite materials, and 2) to realize particle surface modiﬁcation/functionalization, which is eﬀective forpreventing aggregation of the same type of particles, andthus inhibits homogeneous mixing. We will also synthePolymer chain sliding
size polyrotaxane, which is a necklace-like supermolecule
conducive to elasticity
suitable for the realization of tough composite materials,
and on the basis of a strategy of materials design, we will
Figure 1 Conceptual diagram of tough composite
obtain a composite of polyrotaxane with inorganic partimaterials
cles, and perform structure analysis, mechanical characterization including fracture behavior, and evaluation ofphysical properties such as thermal conduction property
and electric conduction property.
2) Development of techniques for process and material
What is advanced aqua process?
Slide-ring polymer
evaluation via operando measurement- Functional group
Make a solvent
For the production of tough composites, it is important
production
conventional- at high temperature
Compatibility- Modiﬁcation
chemicallyand pressure
increases
to understand the reaction chemical species and reaction
Compatibility
reaction
modiﬁed- in a supercritical state×
mechanisms in a reaction ﬁeld, the dispersion state ofwillbeactivatedparticles- in a plasma state
inorganic particles in a composite, and their interfacialstate with the polymer. We will measure the hydration
Functional groupstructure of the aqua process and various chemical species
Load charges
modiﬁcation withproduced by plasmausing the surface
Nanoparticle
using soft X-ray spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible specﬁeld on the surface
charges
dispersion solution
troscopy, utilize an operando measurement techniquethat analyzes the void structure of the composite material
Advanced operando
measurement
via positron measurement, understand the process reacSurface adsorption species,
Active species behavior
hydration statein plasma ﬁeld
tion ﬁeld and the basic principle of expression of materials
function, and feed the understanding back to polymer
Figure 2 Surface modiﬁcation of nanoparticles bydesign, aqua process, and kneading process development
plasma (advanced aqua process)to accelerate the synthesis of the composite material.

Eﬀorts toward industrialization
The results obtained will not only be presented at academic conferences and exhibitions but also be disseminatedpromptly in periodic workshops. We call for the early participation of not only material manufacturers but also large
manufacturers in the ﬁelds of electronics and automobiles to combine our results with industrialization through joint
research and technology transfer.
4Organic Device and Spectroscopy Team
Leaders: M. MUKAIDA (AIST), T. ISHIDA (AIST), H. OKAMOTO (UTokyo), J. TAKEYA (UTokyo)

PurposeAdvanced operando spectroscopic measurement

SPring-8
Charge-modulation THz absorption spectroscopy
Synchrotron-radiation
Interrelation between
spectroscopy
X-ray spectroscopy
physical properties andElectronic-state analysis of Carrier dynamics
amount of moistureof FET
interface
Photo-carrier dynamics/
mobility evaluation
Ferroelectric polarization imaging
Raman
Femtosecond
microspectroscopy
laser spectroscopy
Temperature-variable two-dimensional X-ray diffraction
Molecular orientation
Vibration evaluation

Precise structure analysis

AIST (Tsukuba)

UTokyoCooperation Site

For the development of all-in-one wearable devices,
the improvement of performance of the main electronic materials̶organic semiconductors for ﬁeld-eﬀect
transistors (FETs), thermoelectric conversion materials
for power generation, and organic ferroelectrics formemory̶is an essential issue.
By applying advanced spectroscopy including femtosecond laser spectroscopy, terahertz spectroscopy,
Raman microspectroscopy, and synchrotron radiation
X-ray spectroscopy, to these materials and devices, wewill clarify the factors limiting the performance fromthe standpoint of electron theory and reveal necessary
conditions for the performance improvement. On thebasis of this result, we will attempt to enhance the performance of these materials and devices and eventually develop all-in-one wearable devices.

The Univ. of Tokyo (Kashiwa)

nal
yd
s

Introduction of Laboratory Team

Ferroelectric
ThermoelectricOrganic
memoryconversion device
Semiconductor FET
Development of materials/devices
All-in-one wearable devices

Our research

Figure 1 Research system

1) Development of materials and devices
Photon energy (meV)
Femtosecond pump –- On the basis of the synthesis techProbe spectroscopy
0
10
20
30
40
0.03
niques of organic semiconductors for
Probe light
Visible - THz
t293= 4Kps 0.15
FETs, thermoelectric conversion ma293 K
0.02
0.1
t = 4 psterials for power generation, andProbe light
50
50KK
0.01
0.05
Pump lightorganic ferroelectrics for memory andHigh-mobility organic semiconductor (left) andthe techniques for converting themcircuit technology (right)
0
0
∼ μm
0
2
4
6
8
10
into devices, high-performance mateFrequency (THz)
PEDOT:PSS
Measurement of carrier dynamics of organic
rials/devices will be developed.
semiconductor by femtosecond transient spectroscopy
2) Advanced operando measurement
Mid-infrared –Photon energy (eV)- Mobility and scattering probability of
Near-infrared light
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
3
carriers will be evaluated by applying
High-eﬃciency thermoelectric material (left) andOFF
1
thermoelectric-conversion module (right)
charge-modulation spectroscopy to2
Micro0organic semiconductor FETs to ana0100
200
spectroscopy
1lyze the optical spectrum and the limONV
0iting factors of conduction mechaG
0
100
200
nism, and the mobility will also be
Frequency (THz)clariﬁed.
Detection of carriers in FET byPolarization domain imaging of a ferroelectriccharge-modulation spectroscopy- Carrier mobility will be evaluated by
Figure 2 Representative material/device manufacturing
applying wide-band femtosecond
techniques and operando measurement techniques
transient spectroscopy to organic
employed by the Organic Device and Spectroscopy Teamsemiconductors and thermoelectric
conversion materials, and the conduction mechanism will also be clariﬁed. Moreover, in conjunction with the result of Raman spectroscopy, the originof lattice vibration and defects aﬀecting carrier mobility will also be clariﬁed.
- The performance of ferroelectric crystals, thin ﬁlms, and devices will be evaluated by applying terahertz radiation
spectroscopy, which uses a femtosecond laser, to measure the spatial distribution of polarization and dynamics.
- Space-resolved electronic state analysis of organic materials and devices will be performed using synchrotron radiation X-ray spectroscopy.
On the basis of the aforementioned results, we will clarify the requirements for the improvement of performance ofmaterials and the problems arising in devices, and we will remarkably improve their performance by feeding themback to the development stage of the materials and devices.
Re σ (S/cm)dd

Doped Si+P−P

0 kV/cm

9.0

12.0∆OD(10-4)

Electron
Hole

Doped Si

30.0

Eﬀorts toward industrialization

We will improve the performance of integrated circuits with an organic semiconductor transistor, organic thermoelectric modules, and organic ferroelectric memory, which are the main elements, and we will transfer the possibilities
of practical use thus arising to companies.

5

Introduction of Laboratory Team

Advanced Coherent Photon Process Team
Leaders: R. KURODA (AIST), Y. KOBAYASHI (UTokyo), H. AKIYAMA (UTokyo)

PurposeOur team has been developing processing techniques using light and operando measurement technologies toapply them to practical use as microfabrication techniques and quality assessment techniques. For light processing
techniques, we will develop advanced laser microfabrication techniques using deep UV laser and femtosecond laser
to perform nonthermal processing and microfabrication of various materials, and we will promote medical and biotechnological applications. Furthermore, we will clarify the deterioration mechanisms of laser processing and solar
cells in the course of development of advanced laser technologies and advanced operando measurement technologies and we will perform the optimization of processing conditions etc. Moreover, we will demonstrate the usefulnessof a technique for absolute light intensity measurement of photoluminescence (PL) as a quality assessment technique,and we will transfer it to the society as a technique supporting the development and eﬃciency improvement of solar
cells, bio- and chemiluminescence probes, and other light-energy conversion materials.

Our research

For the development of a laser processing technique, wehave equipped our laboratory with a deep UV pulse laser
processing machine (wavelength: 266 nm, power: 0.2 W,
pulse width: nanosecond) and a femtosecond laser processing machine (fundamental wavelength: 800 nm; frequency-doubled 400 nm is available; power at the repetition
frequency of 10 kHz: 4 W), and we will perform nonthermal
processing and microfabrication of materials including
hard-to-process indwelling materials such as stents, biocompatible materials such as zirconia, heat-sensitive biodegradable polymers, and materials for solar cells (Figure 1).
As the techniques of advanced operando measurement
during laser processing and device operation, we will also
promote the development of techniques for ultra-fasttime-resolved measurement of scattering and reﬂection
measurements during processing, absolute light intensity
measurement of PL (Figure 2), and photoelectron spectroscopy. For example, laser-processed sites of solar cells will beassessed using the absolute light intensity measurement of
PL. Furthermore, based on the experimental analysis of processed materials using a laser microscope and theoreticalanalysis using a theoretical calculation technique, we will
elucidate the physical mechanisms of laser processing andsolar cell deterioration and optimize the processing conditions.
The usefulness of the absolute light intensity measurement of PL as a quality quantitative evaluation method forsolar cells and bio-and chemiluminescence probes will bedemonstrated. In the ﬁeld of bio- and chemiluminescenceprobes, we aim toward developing the absolute light intensity measurement of PL as a method to obtain absolutevalues of calibration curves of the amount of luminescenceand luminous eﬃciency of a ﬂuorescent reagent itself andas a method to evaluate the sensitivity and detection limitsof luminescence analyzers with absolute values.

Eﬀorts toward industrialization

6

5μm

Laser

SurfaceElectromagnetic
waves

Figure 1 Example of microfabrication ofceramics using femtosecond laser

840X835mm2

156X156mm2
Voc (V)

Voc=0.624 V
Voc=0.620 V ±0.002V
Development ofevaluation techniques
for performance andreliability of solar cells
and standardization of
the techniques

Figure 2 Operando image measurement of
single-crystal silicon solar cell panel

We aim at establishing laser microfabrication techniques for indwelling materials, biocompatible ceramic materials, and biodegradable polymers, which are highly required in industries. We also aim at commercializing operando
measurement techniques, including a technique for the absolute light intensity measurement of PL, as measurement
instruments and providing them to the society for utilization in the industrial work place. We will construct a laser processing platform and database in the medical and biotechnological ﬁelds, form a laser processing consortium in cooperation with a manufacturing-oriented NEDO project “Technology Association of Cool laser Machining with Intelligence (TACMi)” , promote open innovation of our techniques, and conduct the search and survey of materials necessary to eﬃciently satisfy the requirements of companies. Through creation and dissemination of our techniques andprovision of our ﬁndings, we hope to contribute to the industrialization of laser processing techniques, laser-processed products, and high-eﬃciency solar cells and bio- and chemiluminescence probes and eventually lead to the
reduction of CO2 emissions, dissemination of clean energy sources, and sophistication of medical services.

Introduction of Laboratory Team

Biomolecular Dynamics Team
Leaders: K. MIO (AIST), Y. SASAKI (UTokyo)

PurposeTo usher a revolution in health and food sciences, we will reveal the unknown functions of macromolecules and biomimetic materials by using
advanced measurement techniques for single
molecule dynamics (combination of diﬀracted
X-ray tracking (DXT) and electron microscopy).

Our researchFirst-ever visualization ofmolecular motion of TRP channels(capsaicin receptor)!

Success in tracking the function anddynamics of nicotinic acetylcholine
receptors (nAChRs)!

DistributionFunction (s)By combining the single-molecule analysis
monomertechnique of UTokyo and the membrane protein
analysis technique of AIST, we are developing
tetrameroctamernext-generation sensors based on mechanisms of
Sedimentation coeﬃcient(s)biomolecules for, e.g., taste, smell, and temperaA new anti-freezing protein (BpAFP) was discovered
ture sensing. We also aim at developing technolo(commercialized in 2016).
gies for extending expiration dates of food stock,preservation of organs for transplant, and solving
issues such as food allergies.
Single-molecule
Membraneprotein- Using advanced single-molecule analysis techanalysi
structure analysis
technology
technology
niques including DXT and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we analyze the internal motion
Diﬀracted X-ray trackingof target molecules at high speeds with a highSingle particle analysis (SPA)(DXT) techniqueprecision. We will also search for useful moleHigh-resolution analysis
Elucidated internal molecularwithout crystals!
motion!
cules that can be applicable for high-performance sensors.
AI- In order to resolve worldwide concerns regarding
health, food, and energy, we aim at technologicalinnovations by focusing on nanoscale molecular
AIST's excellent technique
UTokyo's Only ONE techniquemotion.
- We will elucidate the potential of anti-freezing
Collaboration hub of single-molecule measurement
proteins (AFPs), which inhibit the formation of ice
crystals and protect hibernant animals and AntFigure 1 World’s ﬁrst innovative analysis of single biomolecule
arctic ﬁsh from freezing. We analyze the molecudynamics realized by AIST-UTokyo
lar dynamics of AFPs andattempt to use these as food
3. Motion analysis in living
1. Sophistication of
2. Dissemination ofcells and individuals
analysisdiﬀracted X-ray tracking
and tissue/organ preservatives(DXT) methodwith novel mechanisms.
For applications in drug
We develop a novel DXT
For realizing “advanced- With combination of the DXT
discovery and industries,
method for “multipurpose
OPEANDO-measurement,”
method and the positron
we elucidate thescreening” in collaboration
we develop technologies
probe method, we will elucisophisticated molecularwith device manufacturers.
not only for protein molecules
motion of TRP channels
This uses a laboratory X-ray
but also for living cells anddate the interaction mechaand anti-freezing proteins source instead of synchrotron Caenorhabditis elegans.
nisms between nanobubbles(AFPs).
X-ray. e develop a novel DXT
and proteins. We will also
attempt to clarify the supersaturation phenomenon, in
which clusterization holds thek e y, a n d a l s o a t t e m p t i t s
Eﬀorts for technology
From molecules to live
development into a solution
dissemination
cells and to individual
Advanced analysis
for energy issues.
levelwith a new camera
Diﬀraction spots

Synchrotron X-rayBeam stop

Torsion

Tilt

Gold nanocrystal

Figure 2 Aspects of this researchEﬀorts toward industrialization
We aim at (i) sample analysis, molecular search, and novel material development based on molecular dynamics and(ii) development of novel multipurpose screening devices.
7

Introduction of Feasibility Study theme

Innovative operando microscopic technique realizing the evaluationof next-generation nanodevices under operation
Leaders: H. AKINAGA (AIST), S. SHIN (UTokyo)

PurposeIt is believed in the semiconductor device area that micro-/nanofabrication techniques have recently approachedtheir limits and that it is diﬃcult to continue following Moore’ s law. Accordingly, research and development of
next-generation nonvolatile memory, based on new principles and structures that are not the extension of, but arecompletely diﬀerent from, conventional techniques, are proposed and promoted energetically. Above all, resistive
random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and phase change memory (PCM) havebeen receiving attention as promising candidates. However, these devices show increased variation in the recording
state as they become ﬁner and the decrease in reliability becomes more critical. This is a bottleneck in the applicationof high-density memory. In order to solve these problems and accelerate research and development, a “nanoscale
operando measurement technique” that visualizes the recording state of ﬁne memory elements under operation
one-by-one in real time is indispensable. In order to be the ﬁrst to realize this technique in the world, this study willdevelop the laser photoelectron microscopy (laser PEEM) technique, which features high resolution, deep detection
depth, and visualization of the recording state. By applying it to the actual operation of ReRAM devices, we also aim torealize a microscopic method of nondestructive observation of nanostructures of a device under operation (operando)
in real time.

Our research
Our group has proposed the laser PEEM, a new microscopic technique
combining the advantages of the “light” and “electron” microscopic
methods, and achieved the world's highest spatial resolution of 2.6 nm byintroducing a continuous-wave ultraviolet laser light source and electron
optics for aberration correction (Figure 1). Considering the characteristicsof the photoelectrons emitted, the laser PEEM is considered to have thecapability to detect a nanostructure embedded at a depth of 10 to 100
nm and therefore paves the way for the realization of nondestructive
observation under operation, i.e., operando observation. This study will
perform the demonstration experiments and arrempt the ﬁrst-everobservation of memory under operation. Furthermore, after the development of the aforementioned laser PEEM, we will actually measure devices
using the laser PEEM. In other words, we will work on operational ReRAM
devices, observe them as they stand, and attempt to determine the causeof variation of the devices and decrease in reliability (Figure 2). If thedeveloped operando laser PEEM is successfully applied to practical use, itwill be the ﬁrst-ever technique for nondestructively and comprehensively
evaluating the operation validation and reliability of major next-generation recording devices including not only ReRAM but also MRAM and
PCM, and it will produce an extremely large ripple eﬀect.

Eﬀorts toward industrialization

8

From the beginning of development, we have designed thelaser PEEM assuming that its price will fall within a suitableprice range such that users can use it in fundamental researchin universities and the development process of device manufacturers. We will transfer our technology from Shin Laboratory to analytical instrument manufacturers when the laser PEEM
will be applied to practical use.
Moreover, we are collaborating with a company developing
memory in the research on ReRAM using the operando laser
PEEM in order to quickly feed our ﬁndings back to the frontline of the development. Furthermore, we have been promoting the development of non-von Neumann type information
processing (artiﬁcial intelligence) devices, which are indispensable to the advance of industries.

2.6 nm of spatial
resolution(world record)

100 nmFigure 1 Ultrahigh-resolution laser
photoelectron microscope (laser PEEM)

Realization ofoperando
measurementof working devices
Switching

Next-generation
memory & non-von
Neumann (brain-like)type information
processing device
Figure 2 Operando measurement of aworking device using laser PEEMIntroduction of Feasibility Study theme

Operando measurement-based exploration of health functions ofunderused materials originating from bioresources
Leaders: K. TOMINAGA (AIST), Y. OHYA (UTokyo)

PurposeA stressed society and an aging society are characteristic problems in the modern society, which have a great inﬂuence on the physical and mental health, cognitive functions, emotions, and actions of people; securing and improving
the quality of life has thus been an ongoing issue, particularly in developed countries. Because of this, various pharmaceuticals have been sought active materials derived from natural products as safer candidates holding promise for
immediate eﬃciency and tolerability.
By clarifying the cell activity function of underused materials originating from bioresources, including products
from microalgae, using am advanced operando cell observation technology such as the morphological proﬁling
method, we aim to identify functional ingredients that are safer and have immediate eﬃciency and tolerability andestablish a principle to search for new candidate compounds on the basis of the clariﬁed mechanism of action of theingredients and, in the end, put them to practical use in the medical and food industries.

Our research

Underused bioresources

Edibleparts

Modiﬁcation
technique by
heavy ion
irradiation

Agriculture, forestry and ﬁsheries

Promotion ofuse of land notcultivated

Residues of fruits and vegetables

Catalytic
conversion

Functional substances
supporting our life

Extraction
Residues

Useful chemicals
Enhancement of functionality

Smoothly ﬂowing blood

Functional substances
supporting our health

Biologically active fractions

Figure 1 Full use of underused bioresources

Identiﬁcation of intracellular targets by morphological proﬁling
Morphological proﬁling: a method presuming gene products interacting with compounds

Search of mutants that induce
morphological change similar totreatment with compound
Interaction of compounds
can be observed undergene working

Eﬀorts toward industrialization
To share the outcome with industrial
circles, AIST has established a consortium̶
“Food, Medicine and Material Innovation
Based on Bio-resource and Catalyst Technology”̶and UTokyo has established the“Functional Bio-Research Support Forum.”
We will strongly promote research towardpractical use under an industry‒academic‒government cooperation system basedon good cooperation between the two organizations.

Microalgae

4,718 nonessential genedeletion mutants

Example of identiﬁcation of
intracellular targets bymorphological proﬁling(PNAS 112:E1490-7 (2015))(i) Treat wild-type yeast
cells with compounds(ii)Quantitatively
analyze characteristics
of morphologicalchange by image
analysis software(iii)Search non-essential
gene deletion mutantsfor morphologicallyanalogue mutants

Gene products that have broken are
intracellular targets

Similarity

The morphological proﬁling method
developed by the Ohya Laboratory at
UTokyo is a method of chemical genomics
that predicts gene products with which acompound interacts in cells based on thesimilarity of morphological information of
the cells. Ohya Laboratory has succeeded in
the identiﬁcation of intracellular targets ofthree breakdown products of woody biom a ss a n d i n t e r ac t i o n s o f c o mpo u n d s ,observed under the working conditions of
the gene.
In this study, we use budding yeast as amodel of eukaryotic cells. Various materials
originating from bioresources are reactedwith budding yeast and the consequentmorphological changes in the cells are informatically analyzed to observe the action of
the materials in the cell under the working
conditions of the gene.
For bioresource-originated materials
showing the desired activity, we will search
for and synthesize a group of compoundswith analogous structures, evaluate thestructure-activity relationship by the morphological proﬁling method and other methods, and use it as a principle to search forand synthesize compounds with further
desired activities.

Non-essential gene deletion mutants

Morphology of cells treated with poacic acid(new substance) is similar to morphology ofgene deletion mutants that play an importantrole in cell wall synthesis (red circles).

Actually demonstrated that the
new substance inhibits proliferationof cell by binding to glucan in thecell wall

Figure 2 Outline of the morphological proﬁling method9Introduction of Feasibility Study theme

Evaluation of structural vacancy in an icosahedral cluster solid bypositron probe and creation of semiconducting quasicrystals andhigh-performance thermoelectric materials
Leaders: N. OSHIMA (AIST), K. KIMURA (UTokyo)

PurposeA quasicrystal is a solid showing high regularity of arrangement but not having a periodic arrangement like that ofa crystal. Quasicrystals having the nature of semiconductor (semiconducting quasicrystals) have not yet been discovered and their existence has been a basic topic of debate in solid state physics. Because semiconducting quasicrystals
have many carrier pockets due to the symmetry of the icosahedron being greater than that of the cubic crystal cluster
solid and have low thermal conductivity due to their complicated structures, they are strongly expected to behigh-performance thermoelectric materials and have thus attracted interest in development-oriented research.
Generally speaking, conversion of metallic properties to semiconducting properties can be achieved by increasing
the ratio of covalent or ionic bonds to metallic bonds. Because Al- or B-based icosahedral cluster solids have covalentbonds, their evaluation and control are important for the development of semiconducting quasicrystals. Moreover,because these covalent bonds are considered to be correlated to structural vacancies being at the center of icosahedral clusters consisting of Al or B, evaluation of the structural vacancies is thought to be important in promoting studies in this ﬁeld.
Positrons annihilate in a short time of less than one nanosecond after incidence in a material. Lifetime of positrons
varies according to the presence or absence of vacancies in the material; thus, vacancies can be evaluated by positronprobes with high sensitivity.
The aim of this study is to establish an evaluation method for covalent bonds in icosahedral cluster solids (quasicrystals and approximant crystals) using positron probes, to create semiconducting quasicrystals using the evaluation
method, and to accelerate the development of high-performance thermoelectric materials.

Our research

ρ(T)/ρ(285K)

In Al-based icosahedral clusters inElectron density
Electrical properties
Positron lifetime
distribution
Al-based quasicrystals or approximant crys1/1-AlReSitals, metallic‒covalent bonding conversion
Covalent bondapproximant crystal
2
occurs according to the presence or absence
Quasicrystal
Al-Pd-Re quasicrystal(15000μΩcm)
205
psof an atom at the center (Figure 1). Such a
1/1-AlReSi approximant(6500μΩcm)
vacant center of icosahedral clusters is called
1.5
Centralsite:
a structural vacancy and positron probes are
structural vacancy
useful for evaluation of the vacancy.
1/1-AlMnSi approximant
1(3000μΩcm)
First, using Al-based approximant crystals
1/1-AlReSi approximant
and B-based crystals, structures of which can(1200μΩcm)
1/0-Al12Re
0.5
approximant crystal
be analyzed by using electron or X-ray
diﬀraction analyses, correlation of the
1/0-Al Re approximant(24μΩcm)
178 psincrease and decrease in covalency with
0
0
100
200
300
results of the vacancy analysis by positron
Temperature (K)Centralsite:
Reprobes will be investigated. On the basis ofMetallic bondthe results, positron probes will be applied toquasicrystal structures that are diﬃcult toFigure 1 Metallic -covalent bonding conversion in Al-based
icosahedral cluster and positron lifetime [1]analyze by electron or X-ray diﬀraction analyses.
At the same time, the semimetal and semiconductor band structure found in Al- or B-based approximant crystal
models based on an experimentally obtained structure will be analyzed by maximally-localized Wannier functions to
elucidate a bandgap formation mechanism.
12

Efforts toward industrialization
To attain a scenario where the obtained outcome is used eﬃciently, we are investigating the needs of companies.
We also intend to develop an analytical method for other materials through the framework of OIL.
[1] Y. Takagiwa, K. Kimura, Science and Technology of Advanced Materials 15, 044802 (2014).
10

Introduction of Feasibility Study theme

Research on sophistication of secondary batteries by ultrahighresolution soft X-ray spectroscopic analysis
Leaders: H. MATSUDA (AIST), Y. HARADA (UTokyo)

PurposeTo realize a sustainable low-carbon society, a breakthrough that leads to truly innovative materials for energy storage to contribute to achievement of the carbon dioxide emissions reduction target is desired. For eﬀective and eﬃcient promotion of the development of innovative materials, it is important to understand the characteristics of thematerial at a fundamental level using advanced measurement techniques and establish a principle of design based on
the ﬁndings.
Our aim is to clarify the electronic state of the electrodes of the secondary battery i.e. a representative device usingmaterials for energy storage, in element-, valence-, and orbital-selective manners by ultrahigh-resolution soft X-ray
spectroscopic analysis under the operating potential, to elucidate the charge/discharge mechanisms at the electronic
orbital level, to propose a guiding principle for the design of new materials, and to signiﬁcantly contribute to thedevelopment of an innovative secondary battery that exerts an inﬂuence on the expansion of cruising range andimprovement of acceleration performance of electric vehicles.

Our research
On the University-of-Tokyo Synchrotron Radiation Outstation Beamline at the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation facility, an angle-resolved
high-resolution soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy system and/or a soft X-ray emission
spectrometer are combined with electrode chips
with coatings e.g. epitaxial ﬁlms developed by
AIST, we will perform angle-resolved operando
measurement of materials for secondary batteries with operating the potential of epitaxial ﬁlms
to obtain information about each electronic
orbital. We will analyze data making optimal useof the facilities oﬀered by AIST and UTokyo, suchas ﬁrst-principles calculations and multiplet
calculation of a cluster model, and will consider
charge/discharge mechanisms at the electronic
orbital level. On the basis of the ﬁndings, we willattempt to propose a guiding principle for thedesign of new materials with high energy density, long-term stability, and durability against
repeated charge/discharge cycles with intercalation of charge carriers.

Eﬀorts toward industrialization

Figure 1 Angle-resolved high-resolution soft X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy system and soft
X-ray emission spectrometer

Companies“Bridging”
research

Automobile/battery
manufacturers
Product development

The Univ. of
Tokyo

AIST

Analysis,
elucidation,
design principle

Synchrotron
radiation
facility

Use-inspiredbasic
research(the Univ. ofTokyo)OPERANDO
measurement

Developmentof battery
materials

AIST
OPERANDO
electrodes/
cell development

Platform for innovative
secondary battery
materials developmentwith industry-academicgovernment cooperation
Feasibility study in cooperation with privatecompanies
Gain the understanding of companies about
eﬀectiveness of the station in material
development in companies
Use-inspired basic research

Establishment of new measurement
methods by OPERANDO-OIL
Elucidation of mechanisms
Making of a guiding principle of material
designNeeds of companies- We hope that domestic automobile manufacElucidation ofdeterioration mechanism
turers and battery manufacturers participating
Design principle for new
materials
in national projects understand advanced soft
X-ray spectroscopy techniques and their superiFigure 2 System to provide a guiding principle fordevelopment and design of materials for innovaority and perform a feasibility study of practicaltive secondary batteries
materials.
- We hope to develop this study into a large-scale
joint research venture, to oﬀer the measurement system on a larger scale, and to accumulate and diversify knowledge. We also intend to propose a guiding principle for the design of materials for innovative batteries in cooperation with companies and accelerate “bridging” research.
- We also aim to cooperate with overseas companies that have a subsidiary company in Japan and intend to work as abridge between domestic companies.

11

Access

Map of Kashiwa Campus, The University of Tokyo

N

Research andTesting ComplexⅡ

AIST-UTokyo
Advanced Operando-Measurement Technology
Open Innovation Laboratory(OPERANDO-OIL)

Research andTesting ComplexⅠChiba EExperimentxperiment SStation,
Chiba
tation, IIIS
IS

Transdisciplinary Science
Laboratory, GSFS

Ocean Observation
Warehouse, AORI

Environmental
Studies, GSFS

Atmosphere and Ocean
Research Institute (AORI)

Laser and Synchrotron
Research Laboratory, ISSP

Low-Rise Building, ISSP

Biosciences,
GSFS

Transdisciplinary
Science, GSFS

Restaurant(Plaza Ikoi )Kashiwa HealthService Center

Institute for Solid State
Physics (ISSP)

Institute for Cosmic
Ray Research (ICRR)
Kavli IPMU
Kashiwa ResearchComplexCafeteria

Kashiwa Guest House

Academic
Shop

Sushi-Restaurant (Hama)
Kashiwa Library

Kashiwa Research Complex 2

Todai Kashiwa Venture Plaza
Tokatsu Techno Plaza

Food shop & Cafe

Gatehouse
Gorokurō Pond

Main Gate

By Train
To Tsukuba
To KasukabeanTobu Urban Park L.
Edogawadai Sta.

Job

h
Hig

y

Wa

・Tobu Bus “Nishikashiwa03 (西柏03)” for east entrance of Nagareyama-otakanomori Station → get oﬀ at “National Cancer Center”
stop.

Kashiwa IC

6

e1

ut

Ro

The University of Tokyo
Kashiwa Campus

To Tokyo

The University of Tokyo

To
Ts
u

ku

ba

Kashiwanoha Campus
Station Satellite(Future Center)

West Exit

Tsukuba Express
Kashiwanoha-Campus Sta.

To Akihabara

To Kashiwa

Tsukuba Express, Tobu Urban Park L.
Nagareyama-ōtakanomori Sta.

- From Kashiwanoha-campus station (west entrance) of TSUKUBA
EXPRESS (TX) Line・Tobu Bus “Nishikashiwa04 (西柏04)” for east entrance of Edogawadai Station → get oﬀ at “National Cancer Center” stop.
・Tobu Bus “Nishikashiwa10 (西柏10)” for east entrance of Edogawadai Station → get oﬀ at “Todai-mae” stop.
・About 25 minutes' walk from Kashiwanoha-campus station to thecampus- From Kashiwa station (west entrance) of JR Joban Line・Tobu Bus “Nishikashiwa01 (西柏01)” or “Kashiwa44(柏44)” for
National Cancer Center → get oﬀ at “National Cancer Center” stop.
- From Edogawadai Station (east entrance) of Tobu Urban Park Line・Tobu Bus “Nishikashiwa04 (西柏04)” or “Nishikashiwa10 (西柏10)”for Kashiwanoha-campus station west entrance → get oﬀ at“National Cancer Center” stop.
・Tobu Bus “Nishikashiwa10 (西柏10)” for Kashiwanoha-campus
station west entrance → get oﬀ at “Todai-mae” stop.

By CarTake the Joban Expressway and get oﬀ the Kashiwa Interchange (inthe direction of Chiba). Drive into the National Rout 16 and follow it
for 500 m. Turn right at the “Toyofuta Industrial Estate Entrance”
crossroads.

Contact

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Department of Materials and Chemistry
Advanced Operando-Measurement Technology Open Innovation Laboratory
5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8568 Japan
Kashiwa Research Complex 2, the University of Tokyo Kashiwa Campus (AIST UTokyo Cooperation Site)
TEL: +81-4-7136-6746
E-mail: info-operando-ml@aist.go.jp
Website: https://unit.aist.go.jp/operando-oil/2018.7