Main Equipment and Facilities

X-ray CT

X-ray CT provides crisp image quality due to its high resolution and high contrast. The three-dimensional detailed structure of battery materials can be evaluated in a non-destructive manner over a range from sub-micron to millimeter order. In addition, the changes in battery electrode structures during charging and discharging can also be observed.

The Periscopic Confocal Microscope for in-situ observation under High Magnetic Fields

This periscopic confocal microscope realizes an in-situ microscopic observation even under high magnetic fields up to 13 T. The resolution obtained is several hundreds of nanometers. This system can be used to investigate the mechanisms of magnetic field effects on various processes.

Cathodoluminescence spectral imaging system

With nano-level spatial resolution, this system is possible to obtain emission images and emission spectra of a microscopic region of samples with high sensitivity from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelength. In addition, it is equipped with a function for hyper spectral image, which can measure both cathodoluminescence images and spectra at one time.

3D Atom Probe : LEAP5000XS

The 3D atom probe method can detect and identify the position of single atoms including light elements, which are difficult to observe with electron microscopes. It is also very effective in analyzing the distribution of elements within a variety of materials or devices.

High Temperature, High magnetic field Time Resolved Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (TR-MOKE) measurement system

TR-MOKE system is designed to measure magnetization dynamics. The magnetization state is excited by a pump beam and the magneto-optical Kerr signal is detected by probe beam with some time delay. This is the unique system in the world with a maximum magnetic field of 7 T and temperature of 700 K.

Real-time lock-in 3D infrared heat generation analysis system

This system enables ultrasensitive imaging measurements of thermal responses generated when periodic external stimuli (e.g., charge current, electric field, magnetic field, heat, light, and strain) are applied to materials or devices. Using this system, NIMS has succeeded in the world's first observations of various thermoelectric effects including the anisotropic magneto-Peltier and magneto-Thomson effects.

Plasma FIB (PFIB)-SEM-Laser tri-beam for 3D microstructure analysis

This is a scanning electron microscope (SEM)-based microscope designed to observe the microstructure of materials with high resolution and three dimensions. It can obtain three-dimensional information on microstructure, composition, crystal orientation, etc. in a large volume as large as sub-millimeter with high resolution, which is not possible with conventional FIB which is based on gallium liquid metal ion source.

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope with Microcalorimeter EDS

This scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is equipped with a microcalorimeter-type superconducting X-ray detector whose sensitivity and elemental discrimination ability are an order of magnitude higher than those of conventional detectors. This world's first application of a superconducting X-ray detector on a STEM has enabled compositional analysis of local areas with quite high accuracy.

Atomic-resolution analytical electron microscope

This transmission electron microscope is equipped with two spherical-aberration correctors and a monochromator for direct observation of atomic arrangements. High-resolution TEM and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) imaging, Lorentz microscopy, 4D-STEM and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) are available.

Low temperature scanning tunneling microscope with 16T superconducting magnet

This scanning tunneling microscope is used to measure the electronic states of surfaces at the atomic level. The sample temperature can be maintained at 0.4 K for up to 6 days, allowing stable and precise tunneling spectroscopic imaging with a high energy resolution of 100 µeV. It is also equipped with a superconducting magnet capable of applying high magnetic fields of up to 16 T.

Low-Temperature Ultrahigh Vacuum Scanning Probe Microscopy System

This high-resolution scanning probe microscopy system, operating under ultrahigh vacuum conditions at 4.3 K for more than 120 hours, was specially designed for on-surface chemistry. This system is equipped with various devices for sample preparations and allows us to study single molecules. Through rich collaborations with organic chemists, this system has produced various interesting results.

Analytical Transmission Electron Microscope (JEM-ARM300F)

This S/TEM is equipped with double correctors and high-end detectors including two EDS detectors with a wide area window. It has the world-class observation and analysis performances to observe the wide range of scale from micron to atomic order and detect ultra-trace elements. Various in-situ observations and measurements are also conducted to evaluate the material properties.

Analysis system for probing local chemical-bonding states

A transmission electron microscope with the highest energy resolution in Japan enables spectroscopic imaging of chemical bonding states, dielectric properties, and lattice vibrations on the atomic to nano scale. Equipped with highly sensitive detectors, it is also capable of mapping trace elements and observing the structure of organic materials.

Scanning Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Available for external usersTwo types of X-ray sources (Cr Kα, Al Kα) are available, enabling bulk analysis with a detection depth of about 20 nm with minimal influence of surface oxidation or contamination of the sample.　 It also supports depth analysis of organic materials using a gas cluster ion gun, non-exposure to air measurements, bias-applied measurements on samples under heating or cooling condition, and operando measurements.

Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES)

Available for external usersHAXPES uses hard X-rays to precisely detect surface elements from depths of 10 nm or greater, and the focused Cr Kα beam enables deeper analysis than XPS. In addition, the system is directly connected to an argon atmosphere glove box, allowing samples to be transported without exposure to the atmosphere. Operando measurements for next-generation batteries are also available.

Magnetic Sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry : IMS-4f

This system can perform highly accurate and sensitive analysis including isotopes from hydrogen to uranium. It is mainly used for the analysis of samples treated with hydrogen isotope and oxygen isotope. The sample temperature during the analysis can be selected between room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature.

Magnetic Sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry : NanoSIMS 50

This instrument is specialized for the acquisition of high-resolution images including isotopes from hydrogen and uranium. It is mainly used for the analysis of hydrogen isotope and oxygen isotope treated samples, as well as for observing the solid solution of additives.

Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS)

This is an ultra-sensitive gas analyzer capable of measuring trace gas components down to ppt (parts per trillion) concentration in real time. It measures gases emitted from humans, animals, plants, and bacteria (such as breath, skin gas, and urine gas) and contributes to the research and development of olfactory sensors aimed at non-invasive diagnostics and non-contact inspections.

Imaging-type spin-resolved photoemission microscopy

This machine achieves a spatial resolution of 30 nm in photoemission spectroscopy. Imaging technique reduces the measurement time of spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy by more than four orders of magnitude compared to conventional machines. It contributes to the development of materials and devices by visualizing the electronic states in nano scale, which has been difficult with conventional photoemission spectroscopy.

NIMS Automated Robotic Electrochemical Experiments

The main purpose of this system is to identify potential candidate of electrolyte exhibiting high-performance for rechargeable battery. Each hole in the microplate contains an “electrochemical cell” composed of electrode sheets and a separator between them. The addition of an electrolyte into electrochemical cells make them tiny rechargeable battery cells. A plate of rechargeable cells is then transferred by a robotic arm to the measurement section where the cells’ charge/discharge capacities are measured, resulting in the ability to automatically perform this electrolyte preparation–measurement cycle enables it to evaluate about 1,000 electrolyte samples a day.

14T Magnetic and Physical Property Measurement System (Dynacool)

Dynacool is the measurement system capable of applying a high magnetic field of 14 T and temperatures from 2~1000 K. It can measure electrical properties, magnetic properties, and specific heat. Only magnetic properties measurement is available at high temperature.

Material property test systems under high-pressure hydrogen gas environment using hollow specimens

Material property tests are conducted using hollow specimens. Slow strain rate tensile tests and fatigue tests can be performed with the hollow specimens filled with high-pressure hydrogen gas.

SEM Pico Indenter

Sub-micron mechanical characterization can be performed in the SEM. The measurement position can be determined with high precision, and in combination with EBSD and EDS, the microstructure-orientation-composition-mechanics relationship can be evaluated at high throughput. The measurement can be performed in a vacuum environment in the temperature range of -150℃ to 1000℃.

Creep machines

Long-term creep testing is performed for heat resistant materials. Creep data are used for evaluation of allowable stress and creep life, contributing to safety of high temperature components.

Low Temperature Property measurement Magnets

This system can cool quantum materials down to 0.03 K and apply a magnetic field of 20 T to them. Using this system, one can study electronic properties of quantum materials such as metals, semiconductors, and superconductors.

Variable-temperature quantum transport measurement system

This system enables current-voltage measurements in the temperature range from 1.5 K to 300 K. Furthermore, a high magnetic field of up to 8 T can be applied to the sample with a superconducting magnet. The sample is fixed on an IC chip with 24 electrical lines. Therefore, the current-voltage measurement can be performed at 24 electrodes formed on the sample at the maximum.

Thermoreflectance method thermal conductivity measuring apparatus

Thermal conductivity can be measured not only for bulk samples but also for sample forms ranging from nano-thin films to microcrystals. Thermal conductivity of different parts of the sample can also be evaluated by site selective measurements. In addition, instead relying on extraction trials from multiple thin film samples prepared with different thicknesses, it is possible to evaluate the interfacial thermal resistance in a single sample.

Cold crucible levitation melting furnace

The amount dissolved is 1.2 kg in terms of titanium. This is a dual power source type high frequency induction melting furnace that concentrates the buoyancy and heating roles of 150 kW and 100 kW. Features: 1. Rapid dissolution possible. 2. High purity and high melting point metals can be melted. 3. Alloy melting with uniform composition. 4.Free selection of flux is possible. 5. Promote refining reactions by actively stirring the molten metal using electromagnetic force.

MOVPE system for the fabrication of GaN-based visible light topological laser

The blue LEDs changed the world's lights and won a Nobel Prize. This equipment is a highly versatile crystal growth system for nitrides. We can fabricate optical devices (UV-LED, UV-LD, PD) and electronic devices (high electron mobility transistors).

Smart Lab (fully automated cluster film deposition system)

This is a fully automated, computer-controlled film deposition system capable of fabricating samples with complex thin film multilayer structures. Automated transfer robot is used to move between sputter deposition, electron beam deposition, and molecular beam epitaxy chambers, allowing the system to be used for a wide range of fundamental thin film research.

RF induction thermal plasma system

Thermal plasma is generated and the thermal and chemical reaction zone at very high temperatures can be utilized to process inorganic materials into spherical particles. Sub-millimetre particles can be produced by ensuring sufficient droplet flight distance. It can also be applied to high-melting-point, brittle intermetallic compounds which are difficult to spheronise using conventional atomizers.

30,000 ton Belt-type high pressure apparatus

In materials synthesis research under ultrahigh pressure, a large-capacity high-pressure apparatus is required that can stably grow single crystals, etc. for long periods of time. This belt-type high-pressure apparatus mass-produces hexagonal boron nitride single crystals, which are essential for the two-dimensional atomic devices, and is provided to more than 350 research groups in 35 countries.

Single-stage propellant gun

This propellant gun is capable of accelerating and impacting a flying object (30 mmφ x 45 mmL) to a velocity of approximately 2 km/s and generating an impact pressure of up to about 50 GPa for approximately one-millionth of a second. This apparatus can realize characteristic high-pressure environments not only for high-pressure material synthesis, but also for meteorite impact simulation in planetary science.

HVPE equipment

HVPE (halide vapor phase epitaxy) equipment for gallium oxide, an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor promising for future power device applications. Ultra-fast growth of high-quality films is possible owing to the original reactor design and chemical reaction control.

Strain Rate Control Rolling Mill

Available for external usersThis Strain Rate Control Rolling Mill allows stepless control of rolling speed from 3 to 30 m/min. Grooves range from ◇40mm to ◇7.9mm. It is capable of measuring rolling speed, load, sample temperature before and after rolling with a monochromatic radiation thermometer, and torque values. It is also equipped with a high-torque motor, and is widely used for the preparation of bar samples.

Super-Dry Room

Available for external usersThis super dry room boasts the world's highest level of accuracy. With an air supply dew point of -90℃ or lower and a very low moisture content of only 0.1 ppm or less, the room can be used for a wide range of applications from small battery prototyping to battery evaluation and analytical evaluation. The room provides a non-aqueous environment ideal for the development and analysis of next-generation storage batteries.

Smart Lab (Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer)

It is a single crystal X-ray diffractometer with an auto sample changer. 48 samples are stored in the sample container. The sample capillary in the container is auto mounted to the diffractometer by a robot arm and auto sample position adjustment to the X-ray center is carried out. XRD data of many samples are obtained by continuous unattended operation and they lead to discovery of new materials.

Bio-related research Facilities

The facilities include a variety of equipment to support bio-related experiments. The equipment in the photo is Micro X-ray CT Imaging System in the facilities. Various types of specimens, such as small laboratory animals (mice and rats) and organs, can be photographed, and high-resolution data can be obtained and analyzed noninvasively and over time with as little exposure as possible. The device itself is shielded, so there is no risk of radiation exposure to the operator.

Magnetic refrigerator for hydrogen liquefaction

This refrigerator cools and liquefies hydrogen using the magnetocaloric effect, in which temperature of magnetic materials changes with changes in surrounding magnetic field. By moving magnetic materials in and out of the magnetic field applied by a superconducting magnet, the heat of the electromagnet due to change in the magnetic field is reduced and highly efficient hydrogen liquefaction is realized.

Hydrogen Production Machine

This is a concept-demonstrating system that produces high-purity hydrogen gas (99.9999% and above) in large quantities (100 liters per hour) from hydrocarbon gas and carbon dioxide gas. It is utilized in the research and development of advanced catalyst materials and reaction systems, aiming for the practical implementation of 'clean hydrogen' that involves no atmospheric discharge of carbon dioxide during production.