National Institutes for
Quantum Science and Technology

National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology
Quantum Beam Science Research Directorate

SPring-8 contract beamlines
Leading-edge applications ofbrilliant hard X-rays
X-ray utilization for materials sciencevariety

innovation
Quantum optics
Quantum functional
material science
Quantum life science

physicslaboratory
Institutional

Blood glucose level sensor

technology

Facility

Contributing to scienceDistrictKeihannaDistrictPhoton Science

To this end, we are researching high-intensity laser science, laser-

driven particle acceleration, X-ray laser, ultrafast optics, and industrial applications of laser technologies.

Development of the world’s top-classhigh-intensity lasers (J-KAREN-P)

focusedDevelopment of heavy ion acceleration
technology by use of high intensity lasers

We are developing laser-driven high-purity carbon
accelerator for radiotherapy (cancer therapy) that iscompact in size and that offers exceptional strengthand stability by using laser-driven ion-acceleration
technology with intense lasers.

Research on ultrafast optics

We use intense femtosecond laser pulses to study thefundamental principles of atomic, molecular, andsolid state electronic dynamics and their control.

Nano-scaled resolved observation and nanofabrication using X-ray lasers
Nano-scale fabrication technology using soft X-raylasers with short wavelengths is expected to become afundamental technology that will be indispensable tothe manufacture of information and communications
devices to support a smart society.
Femtosecond X-ray laser processing at nanoscale depths

We are developing technology to use lasers to quickly detect
internal defects in concrete. In Japan, which has a large numberof tunnels, aging of tunnels has become a societal problem.
Using lasers, engineers can detect internal defects in concrete
quickly, remotely, and in a contact-free manner.
Our technology is being introduced in performance
catalogs showcasing inspection-support technologies
for road tunnels and bridges for use in future
robotic inspections.

(QST Quantum Dynamics Beamline I)

Materials science using synchrotron radiation
BL14B1 (QST Quantum Dynamics Beamline II)This cubic-type multi-anvil
high-pressure and hightemperature apparatus enables
us to monitor the hydrogen
absorption into materials suchas alloys.

Discovery of new phenomena and development of ultimate observation technologies for materials and devices
Powerful synchrotron radiation X-rays enable us to discover previously unknown phenomena and apply ultimate
observation techniques. We utilize new phenomena and technology for the development of new materials anddevices.

Discovery of a new magneto-optical effectFluorescent X-rays generated when irradiating amagnet with X-rays have a characteristic oscillation(polarization). We discovered that the oscillation
changes according to the direction of the magnet. It ispossible to use this phenomenon that appears in thecase of X-rays, which have high penetrating power, toobserve the inside of magnets, and it is expected tocontribute to the development of magnets with higherperformance.

(a) X-rays

Fluorescent X-rays(Right circular polarization)

Solving the “surface mystery” of iron magnets
We developed an innovative technology for magnetic
exploration with atomic layer resolution. This
technology uses embedded iron isotopes, which
exhibit the Mössbauer effect, in each layer andirradiates the iron isotopes with synchrotron radiation
X-rays that has a very narrow energy bandwidth.
With this technology, we have succeeded in observing
changes in the magnetic force at the iron surface. It is
possible to use this technology to develop new
high-speed and energy-saving magnetic devices.

(b) X-rays

Magnetized

Magnetized
Fluorescent X-rays(Left circular polarization)

The magnetic state changes due todiscontinuities in the iron surface

The magnetic force of an atomic
magnet (magnetic moment)

First layer
Second layer
Third layer
Fourth layer

Weak

Deep part (bulk)

StrongValue at deep part(bulk value)

Development of environmental and energy materials that support our daily lives
Using powerful synchrotron radiation X-rays makes it possible to observe the synthesis process of materials at atomic andmolecular levels. By taking advantage of this capability, we will promote the development of substances and materials thatwill help solve environmental and energy problems.

Synthesis and observation of hydrogen storage materials at high temperature and high pressure
Based on a new concept of synthesis, we have discovered that hydrogen can be stored in an alloy of aluminum and iron, which
are abundant elements on the earth, through in-situ X-ray diffraction experiments at high temperature and high pressure.
We’re conducting research to develop inexpensive hydrogen-storage alloys that can store enormous amounts of hydrogen.
Hydrogenation
AluminumHydrogen molecules

Iron
HydrogenPart of the crystal structure of Al11Fe4 alloy

A new concept of combining metals that
do not react easily with hydrogen

Both Al andFe areinexpensive.
Crystal structure of Al3FeH4 alloy

We have discovered that hydrogen isstored in alloys of aluminum and iron,which are resource-rich materials.

Applications in Medicine and Life Sciences〜Approaching the source of life with the powerof quantum beams〜
We use quantum beams that enable us to observe and analyze swift reactions or tiny areas andconduct basic research that contributes to the development of life sciences and practical researchvaluable to society, such as medical treatment. That way, we aim to develop quantum life andmedical research using laser technology.

Collaboration with quantum life science research

We are developing a device to observe the movement of excited electrons in materials using ultra-short laser pulses of
10 femtoseconds or less and a laser light source with an optimum wavelength that can be applied to microscopes toelucidate the brain functions of small animals.

Two-dimensional electron
spectrometer and two-dimensional
spectraMouse brain chart showing inhibitory neurons (red)and neural activity (green).

It is known that intense laser irradiation can produce hydroxyl radicals (expressed as “ · OH” ) from water molecules withextreme chemical reactivity. We use DNA molecules to study the effect of the characteristic · OH generated by lasers.
This laser-employed research will contribute to intense laser chemistry and the development of biomedical research.
A strand of DNA molecules
High-intensity laser

Chemical changes and chain breaks occur.

Laser light during
irradiation and aftertransmission

DNA damage repair research
We are carrying out a computer-employed investigationof the detailed mechanism by which quantum beams
impart energy to DNA. We are also researching theprocess of DNA damage, its shape and structure, andthe repair process by making full use of optical scienceand other technologies. Furthermore, we are trying tounderstand the mechanism and types of DNA damage
likely to cause mutations. The results obtained fromthese studies are expected to help treat and prevent
cancer.

DNA damage observed with an atomic force microscope(the area indicated by the arrow in the figure;the length of one side: 2/10,000 of a millimeter)

Medical laser applications research
By combining an advanced solid-state laser with
optical parametric oscillation technology, we havesucceeded in generating a mid-infrared laser with apeak power a billion times stronger than that ofconventional blackbody radiation. We use this laserand develop a palm-sized, non-invasive blood glucose
level sensor and various non-invasive bio-sensing
devices for social implementation. This development
may enable an estimated 420 million diabetics
worldwide to manage their daily blood glucose levels
without pain. In that case, it will help improve their
quality of life.

Optical parametric oscillator(1) Place your finger on the sensor.
(2) Irradiate the finger with the laser for
five seconds.
(3) The blood glucose level will be displayed
immediately after laser irradiation.

© Light Touch Technology Inc.

Non-invasive blood glucose level sensor
There is no need to prick a needle and draw blood.
Blood glucose levels can be measured with just atouch of a finger.

Collaborative Activities

In the Harima area, outside researchers have been entrusted with the Nanotechnology Platform Project by the
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Advanced Research Infrastructure for Materials
Science Project from FY2022) and provided with research support using the SPring-8-dedicated beamlines. For
more information, please visit the following website.

https://www.qst.go.jp/site/kansai-harima-fs/

Districthttps://www.qst.go.jp/site/kids-photon/

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Kids’ Science Museum of Photons’ YouTubechannel.

Keihanna
Kansai Hikari Kagaku Kenkyujo Mae

2540

https://www.qst.go.jp/site/kansai/Umemidainishi

5

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Kansai Photon Science Institute’s YouTubechannel.