INTERNATIONAL EDITION

2 0 1 9［ RESEARCH CENTER INTRODUCTION ］

Aiming for mutual development of
the neutron community and materials science
Center of Neutron Science for Advanced Materials

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

IMR's New Internationalization Initiative― GIMRT: Global Institute for Materials Research Tohoku ―Koki TAKANASHI
Gerrit E.W. BAUER
Director of Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University

Head of International Collaboration Center (ICC-IMR)

A P R I L

Feature article

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

IMR's New
Internationalization
Initiative
GIMRT

Director of Institute for Materials Research,
Tohoku University

Koki Takanashi
Born in Tokyo in 1958. After obtaining his doctoral degree in Physics fromthe University of Tokyo (1986), he became assistant professor, associate
professor, Alexander-von-Humboldt Research Fellow at Jülich ResearchCenter. Since 2000, he has been professor at IMR where he is the Director
since 2014. Concurrently serves as Vice President of Tohoku University
since 2018. His research field is Magnetic Materials. (Researcher ID
F-8273-A-9488-2011).

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Global Institute forMaterials Research Tohoku

In November 2018, the Institute for Materials Research (IMR) was certified as an "International Joint Usage /Research Center" newly established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology(MEXT). The IMR called the project "GIMRT: Global Institute for Materials Research Tohoku", which aims
to share materials development and research among leading institutions around the world, and will establish
a diverse range of programs to support and promote international collaborative research. How will the IMR
respond to the expectation of strengthening Japan’s research capabilities? Professor Koki Takanashi, Directorof IMR and Professor Gerrit E. W. Bauer, Head of the International Collaboration Center (ICC-IMR)
discussed the current situation of internationalization in Japan and the role played by IMR.

International Collaboration Center (ICC-IMR)
Head: Professor

Gerrit E. W. Bauer
Born in Gronau/Westfalen in 1956. He holds a Doctoral Degree in Physics
from the Technical University Berlin (1984). After a postdoc at the Institutefor Solid State Physics of the University of Tokyo (1984-86), he became amember of the Scientific Staff of the Philips Research Laboratories(1986-92). He has been appointed professor at Delft University ofTechnology in 1992 and professor of Tohoku University at the IMR in 2011,serving concurrently as head of the International Collaboration Center(ICC-IMR) since 2015. His research addresses theoretical condensed
matter physics and spintronics (Researcher ID F-8273-2010).

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Feature article

To be a core for materials
science research connecting
Japan and the world――― W h y w a s t h e I M R c e r t i fi e d as an
International Joint Usage/Research Center*1?

provides support for various international

materials science, and a neutron scatteringcollaborative research programs building onspectrometer at J-PARC, the world's highest

the foundations laid by the ICC. We intend

intensity neutron source. Even before

to contribute to the internationalization of

GIMRT's certification, researchers fromJapan as a whole by accelerating thearound the globe visited IMR to use theseinternationalization of the IMR together withfacilities.

Takanashi： The certification is a testament

our national partners in materials scienceto the IMR's global cutting-edge research andresearch.

previous efforts toward internationalization.
Frankly, I am happy to accept it as a challenge
to strengthen materials science in Japan.

――― What are the international strengths
and characteristics of the IMR?

Takanashi： Since its inception, the IMR has

Improvinginternationalization in Japanis an urgent task――― What are your views on the current
state of internationalization in Japan?

Bauer： We established the International

been engaged in research from basic to

Collaboration Center (ICC-IMR) as anapplied materials science, which is rare evenindependent system in 2008. Since then, itfrom a global perspective. This broad range

Takanashi：Unfortunately, in spite of in general

has provided various pillars of supportof efforts is the strength of the IMR and hasstrong recognition of research contributions,related to international collaborative research

led in the past to numerous world-leading

Japan’s influence in the international scienceand exchange. In the past decade, 571 overseas

research results.

community is still rather weak. Perhaps due

researchers including Ph.D. students from 37

to an island mentality, many Japanesecountries visited the IMR with ICC support,

Bauer： World-class researchers around thepeople, including researchers, are not eager

contributing greatly to the internationalizationworld, including those at the IMR, haveto leave their country for a longer period; inof our Institute and the promotion of materials

similar qualities and values. The uniquenessaddition, Japan is geographically far fromresearch. The recent certification will enhanceof the IMR and Japan is the kindness,both the USA and Europe. These are barriers

our options to stimulate inter national

hospitality, and work ethic of the Japanese

to collaborative research. Japan's number ofcollaborative research even more and integrate

people. Students are motivated and diligent,papers and international co-authorship rates

it better with national partners.

and the support of administrative departments

are relatively low, so in order to realize its fulland secretaries is outstanding. Since theresearch potential, I believe that concerted

Takanashi： Our plans to enhance international

leaders of our organization are leading

efforts to increase international awarenessjoint-use/collaboration research as certified

scientists themselves, I believe that ourare necessary.

by the government are now realized in a newenvironment is indeed very research-friendly.

system that we call "GIMRT: Global Institutefor Materials Research Tohoku". GIMRT

Takanashi： The IMR offers to share some of

Bauer：From my perspective, internationalizationof Japan has not progressed much over the past

the world's top experimental devices. These

decades. Language remains the biggest

include a “hot lab” that can handle radioactive

obstacle. Taking care of overseas researchersmaterials, a 25T cryogen-free superconducting

who do not understand the Japanese language

magnet that operates continuously

and culture is labor-intensive. Japanese

for months, a supercomputer

students are not very eager to study and work

specializing inabroad. Therefore, while the simple presence*1 A large program in which MEXT prioritizes universities and research institutes withinternationally useful and high-quality research resources as international research bases. It
aims to improve Japan's international presence and strengthen basic science capabilities
by preparing systems that makes optimal use of Japan's extensive research resources.

By strengthening its role as a core base connecting
Japanese and overseas research institutions,
IMR will fulfill its duty to lead internationalizationin order to improve Japan’s research capabilities
through GIMRT programs.
Koki Takanashi

4o f o v e r s e a s re s e a rc h e r s a t J a p a n e s estudy abroad used to be a requirement totasked us with this role because of our longlaboratories is a burden, but will not only

become a faculty member of a university, but

experience in interacting with foreign

increase the human resource adapted tothis is not the case anymore.

researchers and their institutions since theJapan but also contribute to the development

foundation of the IMR, as well as the existingof an international awareness and ultimately

Bauer： Conversely, the ability of Japanesenational network in material science. It gives

Japan's research competence.

researchers to conduct world-class research

us the responsibility to help raising the research

may contribute to the lack of interest in

power and international awareness of Japan

Takanashi： That is why GIMRT offers

overseas exchange programs. However,as a whole.

programs for overseas researchers to visit

research is always fluid. Fields that are

the IMR via financial support for travel andreceiving much attention now, may loose

Bauer："Internationalization" is in my opinion a

subsistence. In addition, I believe that it istheir flair in a few years. Having domestic asmeans for research development, not a purpose

important to establish a system that makes itwell as foreign experiences allows young

in itself. Further globalization is essential toeasier for the organization to accept overseas

researchers to choose from more options foradvance Japanese research by the influx ofresearchers by reducing administrative

their future activities. I believe that studying

new ideas and cultures of getting things done.

hurdles.

abroad is really the best choice, and GIMRT

Stimulation of international collaborative

p ro v i d e s a d d i t i o n a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r

research will improve Japan's international

Japanese and overseas researchers to gain

recognition and research power. GIMRT willa broader international perspective.

help attracting leading researchers from――― GIMRT has another program to encourage
young IMR researchers to carry out researchoverseas. What are the significance andcurrent situation for young researchers who
would like to expand their horizon?

Bauer： In recent years, I strongly feel thatyoung Japanese researchers have become
more introvert. The number of students
studying abroad has decreased drasticallycompared to the peak period. This is not aaround the world to the IMR. We hope that
top institutes and universities abroad will

Development of global
materials science throughinternationalization――― Finally, what are your expectations andenthusiasm for GIMRT?

reciprocally invite Japanese researchers,
ultimately leading to a better integration into
the global research community.
Takanashi：To maintain and develop materials
science research, which is Japan's specialty,favorable situation, but the government has

Takanashi： The IMR was one of the first to

we must engage in cutting-edge research while

recognized the problem and we intend to do

be certified as a nationwide collaborative

being mindful of existing traditions. Promotion

our part.

r e s e a r c h i n s t i t u t e * 2 . We m a d e I M R ' sof international collaborative research via

equipment available to universities and

GIMRT will be the key to realize a new era of

Takanashi： I agree that the situation isresearch institutions throughout Japan.

Japan's materials science research in support

critical. I think that our social structure is a

GIMRT not only provides and supportsof the world's future economy and ecology.

contributing factor. Being constantly pushed

hardware usage, but also extends theto achieve results, young researchers inexisting collaborative research (Bridge

Japan put less efforts into planning career

Research for Multi-Core Collaboration)

paths than in other countries. They struggle

to include overseas researchwith the tasks in front of them and fear

institutions through the IMR.

set-backs when studying abroad. Actually, a

The government has*2 A system unique to Japan that provides opportunities for universities and research
institutions to share large equipment and technology throughout Japan. IMR was
certified as member of this program in 1978.

Thanks to the kindness and dedication of the Japaneseand the state-of-the-art equipment owned by IMR,
I think IMR is an environment in which it iseasy for researchers coming from abroad toconcentrate on research.
Gerrit E. W. Bauer

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What is GIMRT?
Global Institute for Materials Research Tohoku

VisionOur vision is to share IMR's advanced researchplatform with global researchers tobring forth advances in the materials sciences.
As one of the world’s leading institutes for materials science,
IMR opens its advanced facilities, instruments,
knowledge base, and technologies
to the world-wide materials science community.

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2
3
4
5
6

5

reasons tojoin GIMRT

Access to world-classadvanced facilities

such as the hot laboratory and the world’s highest
cryogen free superconducting magnet.
Work together with

IMR's world-leading materialscientists.

GIMRT Programs
Use IMR Resources forMaterials Science
Research visit for several weeks▶Single Research Visit

Staying at IMR for few months▶Visiting Guest Professor▶Research Fellowship Student

Bridge Domestic,
Overseas and IMR Researchers

Strong andcomprehensive support

Multi-core research collaborationfrom skilled technicians and researchers.

Research at overseas institutes▶Bridge Proposal▶Travel Support for Young Scientist

Join IMR’s global partnerships inmaterials research,developed since its founding in 1916.

Exchange between researchcommunities▶International Workshop

Long-term collaboration

Enjoy Sendai, the “Forest City”—the center of science, culture, and more,in north-eastern Japan.

▶Integrated Joint Project▶Joint Laboratory

IMR’s facilities and laboratories open for your research

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3
5

RDG
24 Individual Research Divisionsand Groups

2

IRCNMS (Oarai)
International Research Center for
Nuclear Materials Science

CRDAM
Cooperative Research and Development
Center for Advanced Materials

4

HFLSM
High Field Laboratory for
Superconducting Materials

CCMS
Center for Computational
Materials Science

6

CNSAM
Center of Neutron Science forAdvanced Materials

7

RESEARCH CENTER INTRODUCTION

Aiming for mutual
development of
the neutron community
and materials science
Numerous large-scale research facilities are gathered on a large site at Tokai-mura,
Ibaraki Prefecture. Neutron beams from the large research reactor and accelerator on
this site are utilized by researchers nationwide as a powerful method capable of precisely
clarifying the structure of substances. The Center of Neutron Science for Advanced
Materials (CNSAM) is an organization that manages and operates four pieces of neutron
experiment equipment owned by IMR. We interviewed Professor Masaki Fujita, Head of
the Center, who is working to organically collaborate with rare-equipment groups
worldwide and to expand the neutron community.

Pioneering neutron researchhigh-intensity neutron beams. The user

The Center of Neutron Science for Advanced

and we are now preparing for full-scale

Materials (CNSAM) was established in April

operations.

program of POLANO will start in April 2019,2010 to manage the neutron experiment

Neutron scattering instruments(PATH) rich in variations
Our approach toward constructing a platform
is to characterize individual neutron scattering

Aiming for mutual developmentwith materials science

instruments clearly and to utilize these

performed at limited facilities around the

Neutron scattering measurements give

installed at the research reactor JRR-3 of theworld. IMR is one of the few laboratories

precise information on the microstructures

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) andwhich operates different types of neutronand dynamism of atoms, molecules, andJ-PARC MLF in Tokai, Ibaraki. They arescattering instruments, and has contributed

spins; therefore, neutron scattering is quite acollectively referred to as PATH, which is an

to the community of neutron science evenpowerful tool for materials science. In fact,

acronym for the following devices: POLANO,

before the establishment of the Center.

one-third of neutron experiments conductedwhich successfully began operation in 2017;

In the background of establishment of

in a large facility such as MLF are classified

AKANE and TOPAN, which can investigate

CNSAM, there increases the movement to

into the field of materials science. CNSAM

strategically use of neutrons for various

aims to realize the continuous and mutualmaterials science in Japan and overseas. We

development of neutron science and materials

therefore transferred the instruments, whichscience with the following objectives:

equipment owned by IMR and to promoteadvanced materials science research using
neutrons. Neutron experiments can only be

instruments complementary.
Our neutron scattering instruments are

TOPAN

Tohoku University
Polarization Analysis
Neutron Spectrometer

functionality

POLANO

Polarization Analysis
Neutron Spectrometer

have been managed by a laboratory, to
CNSAM, in order to unify their managementwith expanding user support. Furthermore, in
2012, we started the construction of a newpolarized neutron spectrometer (POLANO) at
the Materials and Life Science Experimental
Facility (MLF) at the Japan Proton Accelerator
Research Complex (J-PARC), which supplies

8

1. Construction of a platform for neutron utilizationand contribution to materials science.

2. Support of young researchers and human resources
production in the field of neutron science.

3. Promotion of exchange and collaborations between
neutron users and facility research groups.

staticbehavior

High Efficiency
High Resolution
Measurements

HERMES

dynamic
behavior

usability

Advanced KINKEN
Triple-Axis
Neutron Spectrometer

A KANE

Center of Neutron Science for Advanced Materials(Left) An overall picture of POLANO spectrometer which can measure the spin and lattice dynamics with polarized neutron beam. (Right) Advanced KINKEN Triple-Axis Neutron Spectrometer (AKANE).

the motion of atoms (phonon) and spins

advantages of each instrument.

(magnon) in detail; and HERMES, which can
examine the arrangements of nuclei andspins in substances with high precision.

How to foster the next-generation

AKANE and HERMES are introductory

The education of young researchers is one of

instruments that can be used even by beginners

the important issues in the community offor neutron scattering experiments. Beforen e u t ro n s c i e n c e . To p e r f o r m n e u t ro n

the unexpected shutdown of JRR-3 by thescattering experiments, a certain level of skill

Great East Japan Earthquake, we received

is required, and sufficient machine time formore than 70 proposals a year for HERMES.

the practical use of instruments is

This was the largest number of users ofindispensable to improve these skills.

JRR-3, demonstrating the high demand for

Unfortunately, the operation of JRR-3 has

neutrons in the research fields of hydrogen

been suspended for the past eight years

storage compounds, lithium batteries, fuelowing to the Great East Japan Earthquake ofcells, magnetic materials, and so on.

March 2011. We have continued to provide

TOPAN and POLANO are suitable for more

opportunities for experiments using the

Masaki Fujita obtained his doctoral degree in physics

specialized research. With these instruments,

instruments in J-PARC MLF, and in overseas

professor at ICR Kyoto University (1998), IMR Tohoku

a polarized neutron beam*, which provides

research facilities. However, because theUniversity (2003), Associate professor (2009), Professor

information about spins and atoms

availability of neutrons is limited, theof Neutron Science for Advanced Materials, IMR.

separately, can be generated. Therefore,

accumulation of experience and development

Research fields and tools are Superconducting

these arrangements and motions can beof skills are difficult for young researchers.

(Researcher ID D-8430-2013).

examined in detail. These instruments

Considering these situations, CNSAM iscan be used to clarify the mechanism of

promoting support for the education ofhigh-transition-temperature superconductivity

students and training of young researchers.

and to understand the novel magnetism of

Seminars and facility tours for students andmetallic magnets. We plan to contribute on

young researchers are held accordingly. In

materials science research by exploiting theaddition, we are constructing a compact

Center of Neutron Science forAdvanced Materials
Head/Prof. Masaki FUJITA(1998) from Kobe University. He became Assistant(2014) at IMR. Since 2014, he has been Head of Centermaterials and Quantum beam spectroscopies.

9

RESEARCH CENTER INTRODUCTION

Areas where material analysis using
neutron beams is expected
Environment and energy materials development
electrode/ electrolyte materials● rare earth-free magnet● hydrogen storage materials●

Electronic and magnetic device development
spintronic device● practical superconductivity device● Organic magnetic device●

both views since IMR is promoting its own
science and is supporting users by
operating four instruments. IMR can
become an ideal model as it can gather
High Efficiency High Resolution Measurements (HERMES).

users’ opinions to introduce easier-to-use
systems on a trial basis, and feedforward
successful trials to the community. We

diffractometer (HERMES-E) at JRR-3,

neutrons is expected to expand significantly.

believe that exchanges with various users

which is suitable for practical training andMoreover, the conventional versatile

will surely revitalize the bright community.

introductory experiments. HERMES-E will

instruments at JRR-3 have been improved

The strengths of IMR will help develop

start operating after JRR-3 is restarted in

to enable researchers to easily conductmaterials research from new perspectives.

2020.

experiments, opening the door to many

With exchanging domestic and overseas

new users.

users and instrument scientists in the

Exchange of users with various
backgrounds is key

On the other hand, to expand neutron

facility, new developments in materials

science, we need to advertise advantages

science by advanced usages of neutronof neutrons and research results, while

can be expected. CNSAM will bridge the

For the future of neutron science, it will begrasping the issues and needs of eachg a p b e t w e e n s c i e n t i s t s i n d i ff e re n timperative to expand the field throughfield. In the neutron community, which

research fields and contribute to theexchange and cooperation with various

requires large facilities for the research, aadvancement of both neutron researchusers. With the world’s highest intensity

deviation between instrument scientists

and materials science.

and quality of neutron beams being

and users may occur. In this respect,

generated at J-PARC MLF, research on

CNSAM has the advantage of understanding

Researcher introduction

CROSS: Bridging J-PARC MLF, Users, and IMR
We interviewed Dr. Masato Matsuura, Deputy
C h i e f R e s e a rc h e r o f t h e C o m p re h e n s i v e
Research Organization for Science and Society(CROSS), which is deeply involved in the joint
use of the Center of Neutron Science forAdvanced Materials, Tohoku University.

What is CROSS?
C R O S S i s a n o rg a n i z a t i o n t h a t m a n a g e s
proposal selection process and provides user
support on the public beam lines (BL) at theMaterials and Life Science Experimental Facility(MLF). MLF is located in the Japan Proton
Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). In
addition, CROSS manages the assessment ofapplications to build BLs like the Polarized
Neutron Spectrometer POLANO constructed by
IMR.

CROSS
Researcher

Masato Matsuura
Masato Matsuura (*1972) holds a Doctor Degree of in physics(2000) from Tohoku University. He was an assistant professor at
ISSP The Univ of Tokyo (2004), Osaka Univ (2008), IMR Tohoku
Univ (2010). He joined Research and Development Division of
CROSS in 2013. His research focuses on lattice and spin
dynamics in condensed matter and functional materials(Researcher ID C-2827-2013).

10*Beams where the spin orientations of neutrons are aligned in
one direction.

What research topics are you tackling?
Currently, there are seven the public BLs in MLF.
I am working on the research and developmentof BL02 Near Backscattering Spectrometer
DNA, which specializes in measuring atomic andmolecular motions in soft materials, functional
materials and spin motions in magnetic
materials with high energy resolution (~μeV).
Specifically, I am interested in the latticedynamics of relaxer ferroelectrics and molecularorganic conductors. Relaxer ferroelectrics are
utilized for ultrasonic detectors in medical
instruments for their extremely high piezoelectricity.
The heterogeneous domain structures in themesoscopic scale of a material greatly influence
the expression of functional properties. Neutron
scattering technique are excellent for analyzing
dynamics in the mesoscopic scale. Currently, I
am trying to clarify the origin of functionality by
evaluating the lattice dynamics of relaxer
dielectrics using spectrometers in J-PARC MLF.

What are the future developments for joint
use with IMR?
A major objective of CROSS is to promote
excellent research output at J-PARC MLF
through comprehensive user support. As its
name suggests, CROSS, which has connections
w i t h m a n y re s e a rc h i n s t i t u t i o n s t h ro u g h
J-PARC's neutron experimental facility, canbridge these users and exter nal research
institutions. For example, in IMR, there are a lotof excellent researchers, equipment’s, andknowledge about materials research. I expectthat collaborative research between IMR,CROSS, and MLF users will realize many
achievements and greatly contribute to thedevelopment of materials research.

Collaborative
researcher
interview

High-fieldmeasurements fornext-generation
fusion magnets

My research focuses on utilizing

Our entire team enjoyed our visit very

high-temperature superconductors (HTS)

much, particularly the students whoto advance the performance of high-field,

helped lead the experiments and were inlarge bore superconducting magnets forJapan for the first time. We enjoyedfusion applications. Because of the wide

excellent technical discussion over lunch,variability in HTS obtained from different

and dinner, and we are eager to return tomanufacturers, as well as strong criticalcontinue measurements and pursuingcurrent dependence on magnetic field,

research opportunities with the scientists

magnetic field angle, and temperature, itthat we met during our time at IMR.

is essential to be able to fully characterizesmall samples of HTS over the entire
potential design space of fusion magnets.
This is especially important for the high-field
fusion magnets being designed andfabricated at MIT, where peak fields will

Name:

Zachary Hartwig

reach up to 25T. The incredible facilities at
Tohoku University IMR, principally the
25T-CSM magnet and HTS critical current
characterization system, provide perhaps

Affiliation and Position:

the only place in the world where HTS

Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology (MIT)Assistant Professor

samples can be fully characterized to our

Research Proposal:
Characterization of commercial
REBCO wires for high-field fusion
magnets

stringent requirements. Our 2 weekmeasurement campaign on the 25T-CSM
was an excellent success, giving us
unprecedented HTS data to guide ourmagnet research and development. This
success was primarily due to theexpertise and guidance of Professors

Profile:MIT, PhD, 2014
Boston University, BA, 2005
MIT PSFC researcher since 2007

Satoshi Awaji, Tatsu Okada, and Arnaud
Badel from IMR, who were gracious andpatient hosts as we ran experiments late
into the night for 2 weeks (Thank you!)11

COVER
Polarization Analysis Neutron Spectrometer:
POLANO
IMR's new neutron spectrometer, POLANO, is ahigh-intensity proton accelerator facility inTokai-mura, Ibaraki Prefecture, which wasconstructed within J-PARC in collaboration with
KEK over a period of about five years. In 2017, it
succeeded in extracting a neutron beam andwill be available to researchers worldwide from
April 2019. Its most significant feature is that it
can obtain separate information on the
movement of spins and atoms, which have notbeen separable up to now.

INTERNATIONAL EDITION

20 1 9APRIL

Institute forMaterials Research
Tohoku University
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